The Bronx has the Lowest Breastfeeding Rate in NYC. A new Albert Einstein College PSA Hopes to Reach Bronx Mothers
Medical experts say breastfeeding can greatly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, acute otitis media, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal diseases, asthma, allergies, lower respiratory tract infections, obesity, diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses for infants.
Hoping to dispel harmful myths and stigmas about breastfeeding, an Albert Einstein College of Medicine program hopes its new public service campaign can help increase post-hospital breastfeeding in the Bronx, where rates are the lowest in the city.
Bronx Healthy Start’s campaign spotlights breastfeeding mothers and their various support systems including doulas, grandmothers, fathers, nurses and more, and infuses iconic Bronx landmarks and community gathering spaces. According to the University of Albany, just 43% of New York state infants were exclusively breastfed while in the hospital and breastfeeding rates diminished post-hospital discharge and over time.
Medical experts say breastfeeding can greatly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, acute otitis media, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal diseases, asthma, allergies, lower respiratory tract infections, obesity, diabetes (Type I and II) and other life-threatening illnesses for infants. There are also benefits for the mother that could reduce the likelihood of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
“Breastfeeding is important for mothers and babies but has a lot of barriers and challenges. Bronx Healthy Start is working to create a level of awareness across the Bronx to break some common misconceptions and stigmas about breastfeeding,” said Alma Idehen, co-director of the Department of Family and Social Medicine at Bronx Healthy Start Partnership. “This campaign is to help protect and support lactating persons and ‘normalize’ breastfeeding as the choice for Bronx families.”
By Robbie Sequeira
