Strengthening Breastfeeding Support by Coordinating National Efforts and Building Capacity of Breastfeeding Coalitions

activity will complement current CDC breastfeeding activities and build on previous experiences and successes, while incorporating new sustainable approaches that promote optimal breastfeeding support. The purposes of this opportunity are to improve breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity and to decrease racial/ethnic disparities in breastfeeding by coordinating a national approach which engages state-level breastfeeding coalitions in all states (or U.S. territories) to do the following: 1) Coordinate and develop a five year action and implementation plan for policy, systems, and environmental changes to address breastfeeding inequities and increase access to breastfeeding support. 2) Enhance opportunities for collaboration among state-level breastfeeding coalitions with respect to associated activities. 3) Develop and disseminate, recommendations and resources to address infant and young child feeding in emergencies and barriers to breastfeeding to help mothers attain their breastfeeding goals. 4) Support partnerships with governmental agencies, medical organizations, and other national organizations that are promoting, investing in, or developing guidance or recommendations for breastfeeding support. 5) Increase clinicians’ adoption and utilization of maternity practices supportive of breastfeeding, and CDC guidance related to continuity of care in breastfeeding.