CDC Breastfeeding Initiative

Research indicates that breastfeeding is a source of important nutrients for infants. The health
benefits of breastfeeding are well documented (Johnson et al., 2106). The Center for Disease
Control (CDC) has come up with measures that aim to reduce the disparities in breastfeeding
rates. One of the initiatives is related to maternity care practices (CDC, 2020). The CDC works
towards ensuring that healthcare facilities develop breastfeeding policies for all healthcare
facilities. In addition, the CDC has put in place measures to ensure that all healthcare workers are
educated and trained on how to ensure that mothers are encouraged to start breastfeeding after
the birth of newborns (CDC, 2020). Healthcare workers working in maternities have been
equipped with knowledge and skills that relate to breastfeeding. In so doing, the healthcare
professionals can pass down the knowledge to mothers and in so doing, encourage breastfeeding.
Healthcare professionals play an important role in influencing a woman’s decision to
breastfeed. The ability and desire of a mother to continue breastfeeding is also influenced by
healthcare professionals. The CDC facilitates breastfeeding counselling for mothers and in so
doing help in improving the breastfeeding rates (CDC, 2020). Nurses are accorded with a
professional education that ensures that they learn about breastfeeding approaches and
techniques. I aim to ensure that I provide effective counselling services to pregnant and
postpartum women to ensure that I support the CDC’s initiative. I aim to ensure that I instill
positive attitudes to both pregnant and postpartum women. I will also ensure that I give
appropriate advice to women who decide to bottle feed instead of breastfeeding. My advice will
center on the best bottle-feeding practices and how to ensure that the infant gets the right
nutrients.

CDC BREASTFEEDING INITIATIVE 3

References

CDC. (2020). The CDC Guide to Strategies to Support Breastfeeding Mothers and Babies.
Cdc.gov. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/BF-Guide-508.pdf.
Johnson, A. M., Kirk, R., Rooks, A. J., & Muzik, M. (2016). Enhancing breastfeeding through
healthcare support: Results from a focus group study of African American
mothers. Maternal and child health