Breastfeeding

Department of Health Breastfeeding Promotion

The Rhode Island Department of Health collaborates with health care professionals and local media statewide to increase breastfeeding rates and enhance breastfeeding support. The Department is currently encouraging statewide adoption of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program developed to encourage and recognize hospitals that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding.

Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Food Program
WIC supports and promotes breastfeeding among its participants and provides breastfeeding education as part of its parent and child nutrition services. Most local WIC agencies offer mother-to-mother breastfeeding support through the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. WIC was awarded a United States Department of Agriculture grant that has enabled health care providers throughout Rhode Island to develop and implement a statewide breastfeeding promotion plan. This initiative has engaged the Department of Health, local birthing hospitals, health insurance companies, WIC, private physician practices, employers, mothers' groups, and other health care organizations that work with a breastfeeding population.

CDC-Funded Nutrition Initiative for a Healthy Weight Program
The Rhode Island Department of Health's Initiative for a Healthy Weight (IHW) is a CDC-funded program to prevent and reduce overweight and obesity in Rhode Island. Guided by the state plan for obesity prevention, IHW coordinates, supports, and implements activities to promote healthy eating and active living among all Rhode Islanders. With a focus on sustainable environmental and policy changes, IHW collaborates with a diverse group of partners to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, increase breastfeeding, and reduce screen time in schools, worksites, communities, and healthcare settings.

Healthy People Rhode Island 2010
Healthy Rhode Island 2010 is the Department of Health's road map for prevention. It monitors the health status of Rhode Islanders according to health indicators and objectives. This initiative embraces the national Healthy People 2010 initiative, which has objectives that promote breastfeeding.