Washington Hospitals and Birthing Centers Certified Breastfeeding Friendly

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Submission Date: March 2017

State/Territory Submitted on the Behalf of: Washington

States/Territories Involved: Washington

Funding Source: CDC

CDC Funding:

Yes

CDC Funding (Specified):

(1305) State Public Health

Domain Addressed:

Environmental Approaches

Public Health Issue:

  • Despite high initiation rates, Washington’s exclusive and long-term (over 6 months) breastfeeding rates fall short of Healthy People 2020 goals. Breastfeeding rates tend to be lower among mothers 20 years of age or younger and mothers who are American Indian/Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic black, or low-income.
  • In Washington, only about 28% of babies are exclusively breastfed for 6 months and only 39% of babies are breastfed at all by 1 year of age.
  • Breast milk strengthens a child’s immune system. Breastfeeding can protect infants from sudden infant death syndrome and women who breastfeed have lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, or ovarian and breast cancers.
  • Hospitals play an important role in supporting breastfeeding.

Program Action:

  • The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) teamed with community organizations to launch Breastfeeding Friendly Washington (BFWA), a voluntary program based on the World Health Organization’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
  • The program encourages hospitals and birthing centers to offer patient centered, baby friendly maternity practices within the health care system, and provides hospital and birthing center staff with training on how to implement all 10 steps.
  • Birthing facilities can attain bronze, silver, or gold recognition, depending on the number of steps they practice.

Impact/Accomplishments:

  • Now, 14 of 50 eligible maternity hospitals in Washington State are designated as Breastfeeding Friendly and 34% of births in 2015 took place in facilities designated as breastfeeding friendly by the state.
  • More than 32 hospitals and birthing centers have reached out to learn more about the BFWA project.
  • Through a collaborative effort with the Midwives Association of Washington, 3 of 12 birthing centers in the state plan to set up all 10 steps to successful breastfeeding at their facilities.
  • DOH is also taking steps to expand BFWA to child care facilities, clinics and worksites in urban, rural, and tribal communities and are partnering with the state WIC program to reach hospitals in low-income communities.
  • “Hospitals that support breastfeeding are helping to raise the healthiest next generation. Expectant parents will soon have an easier time finding a breastfeeding-friendly birthing facility, thanks to the Breastfeeding Friendly Washington program.“- Washington Secretary of Health, John Wiesman

Program Areas:

Social Determinants of Health, Other

State Contact Information:

WA
Michele Lord
Washington State Department of Health
360-236-3625

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