Today I had the priviledge of attending "The Rhode Island Celebrates
Breastfeeding Awards Ceremony".  The guest of honor was Dr. David
Satcher; U.S. Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary for Health.  Dr.
Satcher unveiled the Health and Human Services "Blueprint for Action on
Breastfeeding".  This is document is a great asset to those of us in
breastfeeding promotion.  I unfortuately put my copy down for a minute
and it got swiped by someone as they didn't have enough to go around I
guess. :-(  I had made notes in the back so I will try to give you a
summary from my memory of his brief speech.  First he stated that he was
proud to be unveiling this "blueprint" in Rhode Island as they are
progressive in the health care arena (my words not his).  He then went on
to say why we should all be supporting breastfeeding ie: advantages to
babies as well as mothers.   He made special note of the immune system
advantages of the breastfed baby.  He said he would like to see two main
things happen in heath care; 1) that all babies recieve the best care
available, and 2) that there be equal health care no matter ethnicity or
race.  He went on to describe the discrepancy between three groups in
particular.  Breastfeeding rates for whites, hispanic and african
americans at hospital discharge are 68%, 66%, and 45%.  At 6mos the rates
are 30%, 28%, and 20%.  He stated there were several reasons for the
discrepancy.  African american mothers may be returning to the work force
earlier, they may be returning to jobs that don't support breastfeeding
and they are less likely to seek support.  He said it was an important
challenge for the health care community, families and workplace to
support the breastfeeding decision.  He said it is not only support that
is necessary but also to "stimulate" the decision process in favor of
breastfeeding.
The ceremony also honored community businesses, the WIC PC Program, RI
Breastfeeding Coalition and South County Hospital for the efforts in
breastfeeding support.  South County is the 27th U.S. Hospital to acheive
the baby friendly status.  YEAH!
For those of you dying for a copy of this blueprint I understand you can
call 800-994-9662 and ask for one to be mailed.  I haven't checked out
the website they say it's available on but the address is:
www.4women.gov.  I'm on my way there now. :-)
Ilene Fabisch, IBCLC
Brockton, MA

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