National Breastfeeding Coalition Conference presentation

The Binational Breastfeeding Coalition - “The Border Experience”

The 5th Annual National Breastfeeding Coalition Conference took place in Arlington Virginia on August 2- 4, 2004, this years conference theme was “Transforming Barriers into Bridges”. The Binational Breastfeeding Coalition (BBC) had the privilege of winning an abstract to present at this breastfeeding forum. 

The Binational Breastfeeding Coalition presented at the meeting as a breakout session in a panel titled Cultural Perspectives in Breastfeeding Support. The presentation center in providing the audience with an insight of what’s it like to work along the US- Mexico Border, what are the barriers, how to overcome them as well as the advantages of working between borders. 

The presentation included a summary of coalition activities to create support networks for breastfeeding mothers such as: Mother Friendly Establishments, Mother Friendly Worksites, Baby Cafes and Mother Friendly Hospitals (Hospital amigo del niño y de la madre and Milk Banks in our counterparts in Mexico); creating breastfeeding awareness with the Big Latch On, Stroller-thons and community outreach. The Coalition is also committed to increase breastfeeding research and policy changes.

Participation in this event broadens our opportunity to network with other coalitions. We would like to thank the Texas Breastfeeding Coalition for providing the funds and making it possible for the BBC to be part of this conference and continue to collectively work in changing the Breastfeeding Culture in this country and beyond.