Promoting breastfeeding in the African American community through education, incentives, consultants and other resources that reduce infant mortality.
Did You Know?
For decades, the infant mortality rate in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County has been among the highest in the state. One-hundred-and-twenty-six babies died before reaching a first birthday in the county in 2016 giving the county an infant mortality rate of 8.6 deaths per 1,000 live births almost double the national rate. The problem is concentrated among African American babies"Two out of every three infant deaths in cuyahoga county were to African American babies..
Why Breastfeed?
The World Health Organization can now say with full confidence that breastfeeding reduces child mortality and has health benefits that extend into adulthood. Breast milk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases.
Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness. Breastfeeding not only prevents disease, it saves lives. It is now a recommended intervention to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
