Many of our students attended this year’s meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA), held in Atlanta, November 4 – 8. What follows is a post from one of these attendees.
By Raven Cedeno, BS
In preparation for APHA, I decided to focus my energies on two programs: Maternal and Child Health and Population, Reproductive and Sexual Health. Although separate topics, the two go hand and hand requiring a life course perspective to achieve optimal health. My background in food and nutrition sparked my interest in breastfeeding and ultimately women’s health as the base for infinite possibilities. I believe there will be direct benefits to the field of maternal and child health through the framing of successful contraceptive and sexual health programs.
One of the most memorable sessions I attended was conducted by Diana Cassar. She is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) interested in the influence of adolescent and pre-pregnancy weight and milk supply. The findings showed how important body image and obesity is to initiating and sustaining breastfeeding. Women that recalled being overweight or obese during adolescence were more likely to begin supplementing breastmilk with formula during the first five days of breastfeeding because of perceived low milk supply. Diana reinforced the importance of the life course perspective and the need for healthy women before healthy pregnancies.
As a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) myself, moving forward I hope to expand this research to include women of color and continue to improve breastfeeding rates across the country. Attending APHA reassured me that I am on the right path. Progress seems slow at times but the amount of time and effort each researcher and person in attendance at APHA is putting into their craft outweighs the possibility of the impossible. I look forward to returning to APHA in the future to see the work of my peers and other leaders in public health continuing to fight for the well-being and acknowledgement of all people.
Raven Cedeno is a first year MPH student, concentrating in Maternal and Child Health. Prior to attending Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at New York University. Her research interest includes women of child bearing age and family planning techniques.
