Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) October 09, 2014 -- Although many new mothers in the United States intend to breastfeed their new babies, practices and policies in maternity care often create barriers to breastfeeding. Under a new three-year $6.6 million contract with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abt Associates will work with hospitals to help them encourage breastfeeding and receive a Baby-Friendly designation.
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, launched in the United States in 1996, designates as “Baby-Friendly” hospitals that meet the criteria for women to initiate and continue with breastfeeding. Abt will work with the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute, Center for Public Health Quality, Baby Friendly USA and Lactation Education Resources to provide technical assistance and training to hospitals to support the attainment of the Baby-Friendly designation and determine the most effective models to achieve Baby-Friendly designation status.
“We know that breastfeeding improves health outcomes for babies and their mothers,” said Dr. Christopher Spera, vice president for the U.S. Health Division at Abt Associates. “We look forward to working with the CDC to bring the best available evidence to hospitals to encourage successful breastfeeding and help them achieve the Baby-Friendly designation.”
Abt’s Cynthia Klein will serve as the project director.
About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates is regularly ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms and one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries. http://www.abtassociates.com
Caroline Broder, Abt Associates, +1 (301) 347-5792, [email protected]
Share this article