Celebrating Breastfeeding Awareness: Focus on Black Maternal Health
Harris County Public Health Services has taken a significant step to address health disparities in maternal and infant outcomes, particularly for Black families. The new Maternal & Child Health Program is designed to provide personalized support and care coordination for expectant and new Black mothers, focusing on reducing health disparities in this community.
The program offers a range of free services, including breastfeeding support through a dedicated helpline and email assistance. The breastfeeding helpline (713-407-5898) and email service ([email protected]) provide assistance for lactation questions and challenges.
Beyond breastfeeding support, the program is integrated within ACCESS Harris County, a care coordination model that holistically supports vulnerable populations by addressing multiple needs beyond health. The program's approach also emphasizes mental health support, recognizing its critical role in maternal health.
The Maternal & Child Health Program is part of a larger investment in supportive programs for populations at higher risk. Harris County Public Health Services has been awarded a $5 million grant for the Healthy Start Program to address maternal and infant health disparities.
Breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for both mother and baby. It provides enhanced immunity and antibodies to fight some illnesses, reducing the risk of infection for babies. Breastmilk also offers optimal nutrition for most babies and is easier to digest than formula for most infants.
The program recognizes the importance of education and community engagement. It encourages pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, or those not breastfeeding, to participate in the Feed the Baby program. The program also collaborates with the Harris County Public Library, a Safety Net Partner in ACCESS Harris County, to serve the county's most vulnerable community members.
The Maternal & Child Health Program is committed to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality rates, which are disturbingly high across Texas, particularly in Harris County. Black women are the most at-risk population for poor maternal health, being three to four times more likely to die during delivery due to pregnancy-related difficulties.
In addition to the Maternal & Child Health Program, Harris County Public Health Services offers various resources and programs to support maternal and child health. For example, the WIC Breastfeeding services and the Breastfeeding Helpline are free of charge to eligible residents.
The program also recommends several books for expectant and new mothers, including On Becoming Babywise, Sabiduría para criar a tu bebé, and the American Academy of Pediatrics New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding. Other authors such as Shirley Smith have also written books like Mama Bear to support mothers during this critical period.
National Breastfeeding Month, founded in 2011, aims to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding. The program encourages all mothers to consider breastfeeding as a way to improve their and their baby's health outcomes.
For more information and services related to maternal and child health, contact the Maternal & Child Health Program by calling 713-368-MOMS (6667) or by emailing [email protected].
- The Maternal & Child Health Program, part of ACCESS Harris County, collaborates with the Harris County Public Library to offer resources and support, particularly for vulnerable community members.
- The program, focused on women's health and health-and-wellness, recognizes the importance of science-based education and recommends books like On Becoming Babywise and the American Academy of Pediatrics New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding for expectant and new mothers.
