MAINE OBESITY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Recommendations

To reduce obesity and the medical conditions associated with obesity, with emphasis on populations experiencing race, health and social inequities, that result in poor health, higher medical costs, and negative impacts on quality of life in Maine.

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INCREASE THE INITIATION AND DURATION OF BREASTFEEDING AND/OR CONSUMPTION OF BREAST MILK

Recommendation:
Increase the awareness and understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding and breast milk in ways that are culturally relevant

Suggested Measures

Policy Measures

  • A workplace policy on breastfeeding is created, documented and communicated to staff

Environmental Measures

  • Pregnant women receiving individual counseling or group education from pre-natal clinics or services
  • Production and reach of educational materials for pregnant women and extended families on the benefits of breastfeeding and breast milk
  • Availability of informational/ educational sessions for pregnant women and extended families on the benefits of breastfeeding and breast milk
  • Participation in informational/ educational sessions by pregnant women and extended family members on the benefits of breastfeeding and breast milk

Suggested Measures

Policy Measures

  • An evidence-based breastfeeding policy is created, documented, and communicated to all healthcare staff

Environmental Measures

  • Trainings for healthcare professionals on organizational breastfeeding policies and Maine’s breastfeeding laws
  • Trainings for healthcare professionals offered and attended on the skills necessary to assist mothers and babies to breastfeed

Filter Standards and Resources by Setting:

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Suggested Measures

Policy Measures

  • An organizational policy statement is adopted and made available to the public that indicates adherence to WHO Ten Steps and WHO International Code regarding promotion, protection, and support for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk

Environmental Measures

  • Production and reach of educational materials and messages for the public on the benefits of breastfeeding and breast milk
  • Milk banks established and promoted in alignment with national protocols and licensing standards in childcare
  • Alignment of clinical protocols, standards, and educational materials related to breastfeeding and infant feeding with evidence-based standards

Filter Standards and Resources by Setting:

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  • No suggested standards for this setting at this time.

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Recommendation:
Improve environments for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk that address barriers in underresourced communities

Suggested Measures

Policy Measures

  • A workplace policy exists that provides opportunities for mothers to express breast milk

Environmental Measures

  • Changes in the workplace that increase adherence to state policy and increase opportunities for mothers to pump and store breast milk
  • Trainings for law enforcement and business leaders on Maine’s worksite breastfeeding laws
  • Businesses in compliance with Maine’s worksite breastfeeding laws

Filter Standards and Resources by Setting:

Suggested Measures

Policy Measures

  • A local ordinance exists that reinforces Maine’s law on breastfeeding in public spaces.

Environmental Measures

  • Safe and clean locations for breastfeeding in public spaces
  • Production and reach of educational materials and messages regarding the availability of locations to breast feed
  • Trainings for law enforcement and civic leaders on Maine’s community breastfeeding laws
  • Agreements with community organizations to enforce breastfeeding policies and laws
  • Municipalities in compliance with and actively enforcing Maine’s breastfeeding laws

Filter Standards and Resources by Setting:

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  • No suggested standards for this setting at this time.

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