In response to data from California WIC Association (CWA) and UC Davis Center for Human Lactation's Hospital Breastfeeding Report and County Fact Sheets, showing low breastfeeding rates in hospitals in their county, First 5 L.A. approved $10.5 million for Baby Friendly Hospital projects in local hospitals. Two grant cycles have funded 17 hospitals so far, with another cycle scheduled for November 2011. The money will help these hospitals initiate and maintain breastfeeding policies and procedures and work toward earning the "Baby-Friendly Hospital" designation. Baby Friendly Hospital policies remove barriers to breastfeeding and increase breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity. Making it easier for moms to breastfeed is a key activity in tackling childhood obesity! Communities across the state are using the CWA Hospital Report to advocate for hospital policy change.
Read more about the First 5 L.A. Baby Friendly Hospitals projects.