In a recent Health Equity Impact Assessment conducted by ICO4MCH and facilitated by Lusajo Kajula on November 15, 2023, Breastfeed Durham’s commitment to breastfeeding support and its alignment with the 10 steps to a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community were highlighted. Let’s delves into the key findings of the assessment and Breastfeed Durham’s innovative efforts in addressing these challenges.
Breastfeed Durham’s Alignment with WHO and the BFFC 10 Step: Breastfeed Durham is at the forefront of implementing the 10 steps to a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community, developed by the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute and World Health Organization. These steps, a response to decades of research and a call to action by the surgeon general, aim to address health disparities in breastfeeding. Breastfeed Durham is pioneering these steps in Durham, reflecting the needs identified in the Health Equity Impact Assessment. We wanted to take this opportunity to share Durham 2023 health impact assessment, while remembering the phenomenal work that has come before.
Current Policy at Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH): DCoDPH is dedicated to promoting breastfeeding as a normal and beneficial process. Their multifaceted approach includes policy changes, patient education, and community outreach. Key policies include support and encouragement of breastfeeding within health departments, provision of educational materials, and accommodation for breastfeeding privacy.
Identified Barriers and Solutions: The assessment identified several barriers to breastfeeding initiation and duration: continued need for more hospital support, cultural norms, and anxiety related to breastfeeding. Breastfeed Durham is addressing these barriers through continuous training, improved customer service, and community engagement. Special focus is given to Durham County zip codes with the highest disparities in infant mortality. Breastfeed Durham was thrilled to learn that Bernadette and Love currently live in the ZIP Codes with the highest disparity rates. And we’ve been working for years going door-to-door in the ZIP Codes providing community based lactation information to employers and community leaders. We will continue to participate in community events in these ZIP Codes and built trusted community relationships.
Breastfeed Durham’s Role in Reducing Anxiety and Fear: To combat anxiety and fear associated with breastfeeding, Breastfeed Durham is promoting accessible services, quality care, and trust-building with service providers. This includes language-friendly resources, culturally affirming resources, and a focus on creating a welcoming environment for all families.
Community Engagement and Trust Building: Breastfeed Durham is actively engaging with communities, particularly in areas with high disparities. Regular visits and events are planned to rebuild trust and ensure families feel heard and supported. This includes collaboration with local organizations and health providers to create a comprehensive support network.
Action Steps and Future Goals: Breastfeed Durham’s action steps include forming community coalitions, branding efforts for greater visibility, and following up with local initiatives like ‘Born in Durham Healthy For Life’. The goal is to create a breastfeeding-friendly community where every family feels supported and empowered.
Breastfeed Durham’s efforts continue to align closely with the identified needs in the ICO4MCH Breastfeeding Health Equity Impact Assessment. Through implementing the 10 steps to a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community and addressing local challenges, Breastfeed Durham is making significant strides in promoting breastfeeding health equity in Durham. Our innovative approach serves as a model for other communities striving to support breastfeeding families and reduce health disparities.