Although evidence indicates that breastfeeding initiation and duration rates increase when physicians recommend breastfeeding to their patients, studies have also found that few physicians have the training or the skills to appropriately educate or support breastfeeding mothers. To address this need, WithinReach (formerly Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Washington State), the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington (BCW) and Public Health-Seattle & King County’s WIC Program established the Physician Lactation Education Collaborative in 2003. The Collaborative provides evidence-based research, education and support to health care providers to impact policy and practice change.

Seven trainings reaching more than 130 participants have been provided in King County. Funding from Public Health-Seattle & King County’s Steps to Healthier US grant, enabled the Collaborative to develop an evidenced-based curriculum with modules encompassing 10 lactation topics. With a new grant from the DHHS Office of Women’s Health Region X (OWH), the Collaborative will test the modules in eastern Washington. It is estimated that this funding will allow the project to reach at least 75 additional healthcare providers and support staff, many who directly serve low income, diverse families.

Evaluation: This summer, the modules will be tested in King County and Spokane County. Local project contacts in Spokane County and a second county will work with the King County Project Coordinator to establish relationships with local clinics and physicians serving low-income families, schedule presentations and tabulate data. Data from pre and post-test and three month follow up will be evaluated to determine:

• Change in lactation knowledge of participants.
• Change in lactation policies and procedures.
• Increased understanding of the Office of Women’s Health.

Local Collaborative members will determine the success and worthiness of the project by evaluating if expected outcomes were achieved.

Partners: Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington (BCW), WithinReach, Public Health Seattle & King County WIC Program, King County Steps to a Healthier US, DHHS Office of Women’s Health Region X.

Lead Agency Role: The Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington (BCW) is a statewide coalition dedicated to promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding as a vital part of the health and development of children and their families.

For More Information:
Kimberly Radtke, Coordinator
Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington
206-281-8032
WithinReach – Physician Lactation Education Collaborative

Recognizing Efforts to Support and Promote Breastfeeding

Each year, the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington (BCW) recognizes employers, individuals, and physicians for their efforts to promote breastfeeding. The 2006 awards were presented at WithinReach’s Making Connections for Health luncheon in May. This following recipients were recognized for their significant contributions to environments and policies that support breastfeeding.

• University of Washington – Outstanding Employer Award
• MerrieLynn Rice, RN, IBCLC – Spirit of Service Award
• Jay Fathi, MD – Commitment to Health Award

For more information on each of the recipients’ contributions, please see http://www.hmhbwa.org/forprof/BCW/awards.htm

Evaluation: Nominations for the Outstanding Employer award are accepted year round and may be submitted via the BCW website. Considerations for nominating a company are listed on the BCW website. The BCW Executive Committee reviews the nominations and selects a recipient each April. If necessary a site visit is made. The BCW Executive Committee and prior award recipients select recipients for the Nancy Danoff, MD, Spirit of Service Award and the MaryAnn O’Hara, MD, Commitment to Health Award.

Partners: Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington (BCW), WithinReach, prior award recipients.

Lead Agency Role: The Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington (BCW) is a statewide coalition dedicated to promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding as a vital part of the health and development of children and their families The Coalition began the recognition program in 1999 with the Outstanding Employer Award and subsequently established the Spirit of Service Award in honor of Dr. Nancy Danoff and the Commitment to Health Award in honor of Dr. MaryAnn O’Hara.

For More Information:
Kimberly Radtke, Coordinator
Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington
206-281-8032
BCW Coalition Awards