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Abstract Background: Maternity care practices such as skin-to-skin care, rooming-in, and direct breastfeeding are recommended, but it is unclear if these practices increase the risk of clinically significant COVID-19 in newborns, and if disruption of these practices adversely affects breastfeeding. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 357 mothers and their infants <12 months who had confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Subjects came from an anonymous worldwide online survey between May 4 and September 30, 2020, who were recruited through social media, support groups, and health care providers. Using multivariable logistic regression, Fisher’s exact test, and summary statistics, we assessed the association…

Next week is the National Day of Racial Healing. The National Day of Racial Healing is a time for contemplation and collective action on #HowWeHeal from the effects of racism. Launched on Jan. 17, 2017, it is an opportunity to bring ALL people together in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world. This annual observance is hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), and was created with and builds on the work and learnings of the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) community partners. Fundamental to this day is a clear understanding…

  This fall, NMBTF was proud to be part of a group of Indigenous, Black, and people of color perinatal healthcare providers and advocates that serve communities across New Mexico. Together we  crafted a set of recommendations that name considerations for upholding access to perinatal and reproductive healthcare through the COVID-19 pandemic.   “Historically and today, patient care improvements and changes to health practices and systems have come at the expense of the bodies and lives of Indigenous, Black, and people of color communities; this is unacceptable”, says Rachael Lorenzo of Indigenous Women Rising, “In turn, our recommendations were developed…

  Scholarship opportunity!   Pacify, Advantia Health’s leading lactation and pediatric telehealth app for moms, is awarding $14,000 to aspiring International Board Certified Lactation Consultants from racial and ethnic groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the professional lactation field! 14 winners will be selected, and applicants must be residents of either the City of Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Tennessee, Arizona, New Mexico, Mississippi, Maryland, Missouri, West Virginia, Texas, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, or California. Each winner will receive $1000 to cover costs associated with becoming an IBCLC, including IBCLC exam fees and preparatory course work. Applications are open NOW and must be received by 12/31/20! Apply here: https://www.pacify.com/diversity-in-lactation-award/. Share this post to raise awareness!

A huge congratulations to Amanda Singer for receiving the Buffy Saint-Marie Advocacy Award and for all of the amazing work she does with the Navajo Nation Breastfeeding Coalition! We are so lucky to have incredible NMBTF staff who are leaders in our communities.  Congratulations, Amanda! You can learn more about the Navajo National Breastfeeding Coalition here, and more about Amanda here.

Join Mama’s Leche on August 22nd at 12:00 PM MST for a Virtual Breastfeeding Sit-In Protest in the name of love and in solidarity against systemic racism! Register here   During this protest, Mama’s Leche will offer a read-aloud of Mama’s Leche, their bilingual children’s book, and will hear wisdom from a sister circle of panelists that include: – Vanessa Simmons, Founder of the world renowned Normalize Breastfeeding Movement @normalizebreastfeedingofficial who will discuss how to bridge the disparity gap between our Caucasian sisters and women of color when it comes to women’s health and lactation support. – Jabina Coleman @thelactationtherapist who will talk about the importance of reclaiming black breastfeeding…

Huge congratulations to our Deputy Director, Monica Esparza, for receiving the HealthConnect One 2020 Community Health Worker of the Year award!   From HealthConnect One’s website: HealthConnect One launched the Birth Equity Leadership Academy, BELA, in 2017.  Our goal was to develop authentic leadership in underserved and underrepresented communities of color typically marginalized when it comes to maternal and child health concerns. BELA is the first national network of its kind focused on birth equity and centering community voices.  BELA has four components: Foster community organizing with an equity lens for birth, breastfeeding and early parenting. Explore pathways to financial stability and sustainability for…

August is National Breastfeeding Month—a time when breastfeeding coalitions, Departments of Health, advocates, and communities promote the important role all community members can play in supporting lactating parents. Employers play a critical role in the success of their lactating employees by providing accommodations. Their support of a healthy workforce begins by understanding the many health benefits that human milk and lactation have for both infants and parents. For example, infants who are breastfed/chestfed tend to be healthier, so parents miss work less often and incur less health care costs. In addition, businesses with supportive lactation policies have lower turnover rates,…

The New Mexico Breastfeeding Taskforce (NMBTF) promotes breastfeeding and supports mothers, families, and communities by helping to create supportive environments in which breastfeeding is the cultural norm. The purpose of NMBTF is to bridge the gap in breastfeeding disparities by ensuring all families have the support they need to reach their breastfeeding goals. Their Annual Conference in March will feature industry experts who will discuss topics on advanced breastfeeding concepts, challenges facing and solutions for breastfeeding families, the latest healthcare findings regarding breastfeeding and other family and community-focused topics. The two-day conference will feature several breakout sessions and keynote speakers,…

The New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force (NMBTF) is encouraging individuals, employers and organizations to empower parents and enable breastfeeding during World Breastfeeding Week, which runs August 1 – 7, 2019. The Task Force is committed to having New Mexico lead the nation in breastfeeding stats, where mothers and their children experience the health and bonding benefits provided by breastfeeding. “The New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force works year-round to promote breastfeeding and support mothers, families, employers, businesses and communities throughout New Mexico,” said Jennifer Mastripolito, NMBTF Executive Director. “World Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity to expand conversations, policies and empowerment for…