New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force

The New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force is a coalition of individuals in New Mexico interested in breastfeeding and working toward the goal of increasing the frequency and duration of breastfeeding in our state. Encouraged by the WIC Program, the Public Health Division of the Department of Health and dedicated individuals, the Task Force was formed in 1988 in order to address the year 2000 goal of reaching a breastfeeding initiation rate of 75%, with special emphasis on targeting low income groups. During those early years, the Task Force was comprised of about 20 individuals from the northern New Mexico area who met regularly to network and coordinate breast-feeding promotion projects.

In 1990 the Task Force joined forces with the New Mexico Pediatric Society and became an official subcommittee within the Society. This liaison, which continues today, allows the Task Force on-going communication with, and endorsement from the New Mexico Pediatric Society. A Task Force member serves on the Society's Board of Directors and reports to the membership through the Society's biannual meetings and newsletter, while the Society also designates a pediatrician to serve as the Breastfeeding Task Force liaison. This pediatrician also serves as New Mexico's Chapter Breastfeeding Coordinator for The American Academy of Pediatrics.

In 1992 the Task Force branched out to communities statewide by encouraging the formation of local chapters. The statewide Task Force is now comprised of representatives from seventeen local Task Force chapters, along with interested individuals from unorganized areas of the state. This group meets quarterly to share and coordinate community activities, and to insure common goals.

Statewide, the Task Force totals approximately 100 members representing The New Mexico Public Health Division, UNM hospitals and the Department of Education, La Leche League, Native American WIC Program, as well as nurses, lactation consultants, physicians, midwives, nutritionists, lay breastfeeding counselors and concerned citizens.

OBJECTIVES

   -Support research activities that promote breastfeeding.

   -Support hospitals in their efforts to achieve the standards of the original Baby Friendly
                     Hospital Initiative

   -Work toward achieving the Healthy People 2010 goal of 75% initiation of breastfeeding,
                     50% continuation at 6 months, an 25% at one year.

    -Work with employers to provide a supportive environment for the breastfeeding family.

    -Work with childcare facilities to provide a supportive environment.

    -Identify promotional activities that will continue to increase breastfeeding initiation and
                     continuation rates.

    -Develop and support educational programs that provide both basic and advanced
                    knowledge of breastfeeding and management for health professionals.

    -Inform health professionals of breastfeeding resources in their communities.

    -Develop and disseminate breastfeeding educational materials to the lay public.

    -Work with health insurers to provide third party reimbursement for lactation consultants
                    and breastfeeding equipment.