This is part of our Latina Mom and Baby Health: A Research Review »
Benefits of breastfeeding
The benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby are well established in the literature, and yet breastfeeding rates in the United States remain below desired levels.38,39 According to recommendations from The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), mothers should exclusively breastfeed their infants for at least the first 6 months of life, with continuation for 1 year or longer. In addition, breastfeeding infants should not receive supplemental formula unless advised by a health care professional.39,40 As part of the Healthy People 2020 initiative, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services outlined several ...
Of the approximately four million babies born in the United States every year, only about 14 percent are born in Baby-Friendly hospitals, The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative established 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in 1989, which were endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2009. However, a recent study found that many hospitals still do not implement these 10 Steps. Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits, including reduced childhood obesity, but many mothers face challenges to breastfeed. Maternal experiences during the birth hospitalization show that a hospital's policies and practices affect a mother's ability to establish and maintain breastfeeding. In the six-year study, Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care, investigators compare ...
Some children between the ages of 0-5 are at a higher risk than their peers for being overweight. Research shows that breastfeeding may be one important way to promote a healthy weight for both moms and their babies. Yet, while breastfeeding is strongly encouraged up to 2 years of age, many moms lack the support they need to continue breastfeeding. Join us for a #SaludTues tweetchat on August 25, 2015, to learn more about the importance of breastfeeding and how to support an environment that encourages moms to continue breastfeeding. • WHAT: #SaludTues Tweetchat: “The Nursing Mom: A Look at Benefits & Barriers to Breastfeeding”
• DATE: Tuesday, August 25, 2015
• TIME: 1-2 p.m. ET (Noon-1 p.m. CT)
• WHERE: On Twitter with hashtag #SaludTues
• HOST: ...
Policies to accommodate breastfeeding are extending beyond hospitals and workplaces and into professional baseball parks. The Cinncinati Reds opened the Pampers Nursing Suite at the Great American Ball Park in March and the Washington Nationals opened the Lansinoh Nursing Lounge at the Nationals Park during National Breastfeeding Week. These lounges or suites provide mothers with the option to nurse or pump in a cool, quiet and private place, rather than in the rowdy stands or in a public restroom. The purpose of breastfeeding policies are to make breastfeeding more accommodating and acceptable in order to support mother's breastfeeding goals, no matter what they are. Policies supporting mother's options to breastfeed could influence a shift back to breastfeeding, which has ...
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who raised us, cared for us, and put our needs above their own. Now, it’s time to take care of her. Whether you're a first-time mom or have a few kiddos under your belt, here are four health and wellness resources for mothers.
1. National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Launched on Mother’s Day 2022, the National Maternal Health Hotline is a free, 24/7, confidential hotline that supports women, before, during, and after pregnancy via phone call or text. The hotline was designed to help combat maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity crisis in the US by connecting women to counselors, including licensed health care professionals, certified educators, and specialists. These counselors listen to the ...
The American Cancer Society estimates over 2 million new cancer cases and 600,000 cancer deaths among Latinos and all people in the US in 2025, according to a new report. This makes cancer one of the most prevalent, deadly health issues facing our nation. To respond to the health crisis of cancer in South Texas, the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio is hosting its annual Give Cancer the Boot Survivorship 5K and 1-Mile Walk in celebration of cancer survivors, patients, and their families on April 5, 2025. REGISTER NOW!
Give Cancer the Boot
Not only does the event raise awareness about the impact of cancer on the community, but it also goes to support the Mays Cancer Center’s Patient and Family Assistance Fund. The Patient and Family Assistance Fund ...
Tis the season for coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and sore throats. That’s right, it’s winter. The time when illnesses and viruses, from influenza (flu) to COVID-19 to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), run rampant. When left unchecked, these viruses can cause serious adverse health effects, especially for immune compromised individuals, children, the elderly, and expectant mothers. Luckily, there are vaccinations that can significantly reduce risks for these illnesses. The best way to protect yourself and loved ones against these threats is to stay updated on recommended vaccinations, such as COVID-19 and the flu. Salud America! is partnering with CVEEP to get the word out about the importance of staying vaccinated during the winter ...
USDA has approved a final rule to improve nutrition and support breastfeeding in food packages in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The final rule includes these changes: Require WIC-eligible whole grain breakfast cereals contain a whole grain as the first ingredient.
Increase access to whole grains in breakfast cereal, bread, and grains, including "tortillas made with folic acid-fortified corn masa flour (once available in the marketplace)."
Expand whole grain options to include foods like quinoa, blue cornmeal, and teff to reflect dietary guidance and accommodate individual or cultural preferences.
Provide more convenience and options in the dairy category, including flexibility on package sizes and non-dairy substitution ...
Latino children accounted for the highest increase in severe obesity among preschool-aged children from low-income households, a new CDC study found.
The study examined children aged 2 to 4 under the enrollment of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which is a federal nutrition assistance program aimed at providing healthy foods for low-income women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum, and children up to 5 years old, from 2010 to 2020.
When the study began in 2010, 2.1% of children aged 2 to 4 in WIC were severely obese.
A downward trend in severe obesity occurred for the next several years, when rates in that age group went from 2.1% in 2010 to 1.8% in 2016, the CDC study found.
However, by the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, that number spiked back up to 2% in ...
