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Health Equity Action for Lactation Initiative (HEAL)

A Breastfeeding Program for African American Mothers and Families

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Project Overview Expand

The Initiative's goal is to improve breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Black communities by prioritizing perinatal Black families, community health workers and organizations, and healthcare providers.

HEAL Strategy Expand
  • Strategy 1: Develop and facilitate a national community of practice to use and disseminate ION materials, support evidence-based breastfeeding practices in maternity care, and enhance training for medical and lay support of African American mothers and infants. 
  • Strategy 2: Expand the Perinatal Community Health Worker Collaborative that incorporates ION material into direct service support to pregnant and parenting women and their families.
  • Strategy 3: Develop and execute a national digital media campaign to promote ION and other breastfeeding support materials.
See What's Going On In Your Region Expand

COMING SOON!

Contact Us Expand

Andrea Serano, H.E.A.L. Initiative Project Manager
Email: aserano@breastfeedingrose.org

Partner With Us

Engage With Us
Attend a Stakeholder Meeting
View Stakeholder Meeting Recordings Expand
  • March 2022 (Click Here to Watch the Recording)
  • June 21, 2023 (Recording Coming Soon)

Upcoming Events

Jun 4
9:30 am - 3:00 pm UTC+0

Breastfriends Training

Jun 18
9:30 am - 3:00 pm UTC+0

Breastfriends Training

View Calendar

It's Only Natural Campaign

Every woman's journey to motherhood is different. But usually, the first decision you'll make as a mom is how to feed your child. It's Only Natural has information for African-American women and their families about the health benefits of breastfeeding — not just for babies, but for moms too. Here, you'll find facts about breastfeeding and get practical tips on how to make breastfeeding work for you while getting the support you need.

Learn More About the Campaign

Featured Videos

Watch the Series

Featured Resources

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This complete guide from the Office on Women's Health features important guidance on breastfeeding-related topics, including:

  • Why breastfeeding is important
  • How to find support and information
  • Breastfeeding myths
  • How breastmilk is made
  • Learn to breastfeed
  • Breastfeeding in special situations
  • How to handle stress
  • Weaning your baby from the breast
Download the Guide

This publication is available in print. Health professionals and lactation consultants can order in bulk (25 – 250 copies). There are limits set for each address per year.

Steps to order your guide(s):

  1. Call 1-800-994-9662 during normal business hours.
  2. Leave a message with your request and your call will be returned.
  3. You will receive a call back to finish the ordering process.

Nursing Mothers at Work Campaign
(PUMP Act)

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What Breastfeeding Employees Need to Know

Nursing moms often have many questions about how to continue breastfeeding when they return to work. Read frequently asked questions about breastfeeding at work, including how to talk to your supervisor about your needs and where to find resources and support.

Women with children are the fastest-growing segment of the workforce.

Balancing work and family is an important priority for all employees. Today, more than 80% of new mothers in the United States begin breastfeeding,1 and 6 in every 10 new mothers are in the workforce.2 Learn federal rules and requirements for employers about breastfeeding and lactation at work. See success stories from all types of industries, including restaurants, retail, manufacturing, and more.

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What the law says about breastfeeding and work

The federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers law requires employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to provide basic accommodations for breastfeeding mothers at work. These accommodations include time for women to express milk and a private space that is not a bathroom each time they need to pump. Learn more about what is required of employers and what employees need to know.

Learn More About Your Rights

Sources:
Office on Women's Health, https://www.womenshealth.gov/its-only-natural, 08/2018
Office on Women's Health, https://www.womenshealth.gov/supporting-nursing-moms-work, 02/2019
Your Guide to Breastfeeding, https://www.womenshealth.gov/your-guide-to-breastfeeding, 02/2022

The HEAL Initiative was originally funded through contract #75P00121C00058 with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health, September 30, 2021-September 29, 2023.

Phone & Fax

(404) 719-4297

Location

3035 Stone Mountain St.
#1076
Lithonia, GA 30058

Latest News & Posts

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