Breastfeeding Program &
Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition of the Bureau of Family Health (LA Dept. of Health and Hospitals- Office of Public Health)
Summer – Fall 2014
The Bureau of Family Health (BFH) works to promote health for all Louisiana women, children, teens and families through data, health education/communication, clinical and support services and policy. The BFH works to increase breastfeeding rates in Louisiana in order to improve infant and child mortality and morbidity through a multilevel strategy including the following distinct efforts:
- Hospital quality initiative and designation program (The Gift)
- Training for hospital administration, physicians, nurses, medical providers and their staff
- Staff support for a statewide breastfeeding coalition (Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition)
The mission of the Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition (LBC) is to make breastfeeding the norm in Louisiana. Through outreach, advocacy, and education, the Coalition focuses on removing barriers to breastfeeding for women, their children and families. This practicum will work primarily on the Workplace Breastfeeding Support Program, which works with Louisiana employers to provide time, space, and support for women who are breastfeeding or pumping milk in the workplace.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- To learn how breastfeeding influences the health of both mother and child by becoming familiar with the biological, physiological and nutritional aspects of breastfeeding and breast milk.
- To learn effective ways of engaging a target audience through outreach to the public and to the private sector.
- To develop skills in partner coordination and outreach campaign management.
- Other objectives as appropriate for the student’s interests and experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES FOR PRACTICUM:
- Conduct outreach to employers to encourage them to comply with laws related to workplace breastfeeding, and to inform them about the program
- Conduct follow-up with participating workplaces
- Manage process of certifying eligible employers as Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplaces
- Coordinate with members and partners, including the Tulane University Mary Amelia Women’s Center, on program activities
- Design and maintain database of contacts with employers and partners
- Maintain Workplace Breastfeeding Support Program of LBC web site
- Together with LBC staff, develop a plan for project implementation and timeline for practicum activities
For more information or to apply, please contact Marci Brewer at Marci.Brewer@la.gov.
