Breastfeeding is a critical aspect of perinatal health, and the NC Perinatal Health Strategic Plan (PHSP) for 2022-2026 recognizes this by including strategies to promote and support breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a key factor in improving infant health outcomes and reducing the risk of maternal and infant mortality.
In the Perinatal Health Strategic Plan, breastfeeding/chestfeeding is explicitly mentioned and recognized under Goal 1 – Address Economic and Social Inequities, Point 2 – Support Working Parents and Families:
- Goal 1, Point 2C Strengthen policies to support breastfeeding in the workplace and in childcare centers, and increase knowledge and uptake of breastfeeding friendly policies
- Goal 1, Point 2D Increase enrollment in Pathway 2 and Pathway 3 lactation training programs, and increase reimbursement for the breastfeeding support workforce
- Goal 1, Point 2G Eliminate taxation on sanitary products including menstrual supplies, diapers, and breastfeeding supplies
The PHSP recognizes that breastfeeding rates are lower among Black and Indigenous mothers and seeks to address this disparity through its focus on health equity. The PHSP includes several strategies to promote and support breastfeeding, including increasing access to lactation support services, promoting policies that support breastfeeding in the workplace, and providing education to healthcare providers and families about the benefits of breastfeeding. The PHSP also recognizes the importance of addressing the root causes of disparities in breastfeeding rates, such as structural racism and economic and social inequities. By focusing on the drivers of health, including economic and social inequities, strengthening families and communities, and improving health care for all people of reproductive age, the PHSP seeks to create a more equitable and just healthcare system. The PHSP recognizes that achieving health equity requires collaboration and partnerships among public, nonprofit, and private organizations, and the plan seeks to engage a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure that all voices are heard and that the plan is responsive to the needs of all communities. In conclusion, the NC Perinatal Health Strategic Plan for 2022-2026 is a comprehensive and ambitious plan to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and promote health equity in North Carolina. By recognizing the importance of breastfeeding and addressing the root causes of disparities in breastfeeding rates, the plan seeks to create a more just and equitable healthcare system that promotes the health and well-being of all North Carolinians.
View the NC Perinatal Health Strategic Plan for 2022-2026 below: