Breastfeeding Health Education in Kansas
For Healthcare Workers Supporting Breastfeeding
We can’t underestimate the importance of breastfeeding health education.
In Kansas, 90% of women breastfeed their children but often stop sooner than is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. One of the biggest obstacles for these parents is a lack of education and awareness in their communities, including healthcare providers.
The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition is here to support healthcare providers with access to educational resources about breastfeeding. Beyond that, we work with local health departments to achieve the Breastfeeding Friendly designation, to continue to build systems for support for Kansas families.
Start Your Breastfeeding Health Education
Resources At Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition
Becoming the Lactation Support Provider You Want to Be
The Becoming program aims to increase the number of breastfeeding peer counselors, certified breastfeeding counselors, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) available to provide culturally congruent breastfeeding support and clinical care.
Breastfeeding 101
Our introductory course covers the basics of making milk, latching, and positioning. Lactation supporters, community health workers, home visitors, and anyone who supports families in the postpartum period will learn everything needed to know about effective breastfeeding from birth and how to return to work or school.
Breastfeeding 201
This course provides in-depth information on overcoming common breastfeeding challenges, including how to identify them and potential solutions. Designed to meet the needs of a broad spectrum of staff, including physicians, this course builds on the basics of breastfeeding and lactation resources provided in our 101 course.
The Importance of Breastfeeding Health Education
- Education is the first step to increasing acceptance in communities
- Healthcare providers are an important resource and support for Kansas families
- The lives of Kansas children and parents are improved with supportive healthcare providers
- Breastfeeding is a health and human rights issue
Resources for further breastfeeding health education in Kansas
- Resources for Local Health Departments
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Resources to aid in achieving the designation
Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department Staff Education Video
KDHE Local Health Department Directory
Supporting and Promoting Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding, and Lactation in Health Care Settings
Together for the Duration | Arizona Dept. of Health Services
- Resources for health professionals
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Breastfeeding | Human Medicine Interprofessional Education
High 5 for Mom & Baby online training
Breastfeeding Practice Tools for Health Professionals
Jones & Bartlett Learning 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
Optimizing Support for Breastfeeding as part of Obstetric Practice
- Resources for lactation support providers
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List of Certificate courses to become a Breastfeeding or Lactation Counselor
High 5 for Mom & Baby online training
Anatomy & Phsyiology of Lactation course at Wichita State
- General Resources
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Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Education Center
The Breastfeeding Medicine Podcast
Breastfeeding Friendly Consortium
Carolina Breastfeeding Institute
Improving Worksite Support For Breastfeeding Mothers (University at Albany)
Clinical Lactation Official Journal of USLCA
Using “Baby Behavior” To Support Informed Early Infant Feeding Decisions
- Apps for Healthcare Providers
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Breastfeeding Guide for Health Providers – common problems, links to other resources
Infant Risk Center (fee) – information about prescription and non-prescription medications and their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pedi Quick Calc: (fee) – weight conversions and weight loss calculator. Also calculate bilirubin levels and risk
The Breastfeeding Local Health Department Designation
Support Kansas families
Through intentionally increasing breastfeeding awareness and education.
Meet the criteria
Community engagement, staff education, and other supports for breastfeeding families.
Easy application process
KBC provides the resources necessary to submit a successful application.
Get Connected With the KBC
The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition is a central hub for breastfeeding resources in Kansas. We are working to build a culture of breastfeeding support. Join us in breaking down barriers to breastfeeding!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can my organization get designated?
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Your organization can reach out to the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition to apply for the designation. We will ensure that your community meets the proper criteria, or provide support in meeting those criteria, to help you apply for and receive your designation.
- How can I support my breastfeeding patients?
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Provide resources on breastfeeding and support in meeting their breastfeeding goals. Work with your patients while they’re pregnant to prepare for breastfeeding after birth.
- How long should a child be breastfed?
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U.S. dietary guidelines recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. After that, it’s important to continue breastfeeding while incorporating other appropriate foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization, along with other credible health organizations, recommend breastfeeding from birth to 2 years or beyond.