Look, Richmond City!
Did you know that Mayor Dwight Jones has organized a Breastfeeding Commission?
That’s right...even the Mayor wants all of Richmond City new moms to breastfeed!!! The committee is made up of more than 60 members who meet regularly to discuss recommendations on how to increase the number of newborns in Richmond City that are breastfed.
Here are the recommendations by the committee:
1. Encourage Health Systems to adopt the 10 Steps of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative to achieve the 2020 Healthy People Goal.
This means hospitals would train ALL staff to be more breastfeeding friendly. All women delivering would be informed about the benefits of breastfeeding. Moms would receive information, support and encouragement to breastfeed. Hospitals would have an official breastfeeding policy in place for all health care staff to follow.
2. Support and encourage Richmond City businesses to develop and implement a comprehensive lactation support program for their employees and patrons.
Businesses are encouraged to promote breastfeeding amongst their employees. Employers would offer a special location to allow moms to breastfeed or pump while at work. The Mayor would like to recognize employers who seek to make Richmond a “Baby-Friendly Breastfeeding” City.
3. Promote partnerships and education among care providers who come into contact with mothers, fathers, partners, and families before, during, and after childbirth, and during the infant’s first year of life.
All Health Care Providers and case workers would have various strategies in place to encourage clients to breastfeed and offer support during pregnancy. In addition, lactation consultants and support services would be available to mothers, fathers, and families after birth and throughout the infant’s entire first year.
4. Develop Education/Marketing Strategies
Marketing and Education strategies would be developed to make the public more aware of breastfeeding. Partnerships with various breastfeeding groups would be established. A breastfeeding resource handbook and other materials would be created and made accessible to consumers and health care providers.
