Hosted by Kansas WIC
Speaker: Paulina Erices, MS, IBCLC, IMH®E-II
While Latino/Hispanic breastfeeding initiation rates are high compared to other ethnicities, lower rates of breastfeeding duration and exclusivity among Hispanic infants, compared with non-Hispanic white infants, have been documented. Suboptimal breastfeeding in Latino infants is associated with an increased risk of disease and even death. Latino culture celebrates children, the caregiver role, and breastfeeding. To embrace our traditions, Latino families in the US must have equal access to culturally and linguistically responsive lactation and medical care, supportive childcare and work environment protections. Implicit or explicit barriers must be removed at system and interpersonal levels.