The Center : AmeriCorps : Programs : Great Beginnings

Human milk is the single most important nutritional substance available to a newborn.  Infants who are not breastfed start out at a disadvantage and experience less than optimal health throughout their entire adult life.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) primary benefits of breastfeeding to the infant include:  optimal nutrition; reduced infectious diseases: diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, wheezing, urinary tract infections; reduced risk of chronic diseases: food allergies, diabetes, asthma and obesity; reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); improved cognitive development; reduced risk of bottle tooth decay and reduce risk of child abuse.  

Benefits of breastfeeding to the mothers include:  maternal infant bonding, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and breast and ovarian cancer.  Breastfeeding also saves in household expenses due to reduced costs of formula and decreased health care expenditures.

Despite the compelling arguments in favor of breastfeeding, many mothers in Sacramento County do not breastfeed their infants. 12% of mothers in Sacramento County breastfeed for six months compared to the State’s 16%. Approximately 81% of mothers in Sacramento County initiate breastfeeding while still in the hospital, however, breastfeeding declines sharply by 6 months.  Initiation rates of breastfeeding vary across Sacramento County because of its enormous racial, ethnic, geographic and cultural diversity.  Sacramento County’s breastfeeding initiation rates are White (81%), Hispanic (83%), Asian (79%), and African-American (71%). (Sacramento Children’s Report Card 2006).

CAPC CORPS GREAT BEGINNINGS PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Breastfeeding Support and Education

2500 pregnant and new mothers will receive services from AmeriCorps members.

  • 900 pregnant and new mothers will be coached pre natal and post partum for a minimum of 3 hours in breastfeeding by AmeriCorps members.
  • 1500 pregnant mothers will receive breastfeeding information, support, lactation counseling, and home visitation program referrals.
  • 75% of mothers, who receive at least 3 hours of member services, will report that they would not have breastfed for 3 months without the members’ service.
  • 50% of mothers who receive 6 hours of member service within the first 6 months of breastfeeding will report a 50% improvement of infant’s health as measured by the Infant Health Survey.

Member Development

  • 85% of AmeriCorps members will improve their lactation counseling competency by 15%.

Volunteer Recruitment

  • 160 volunteers will be recruited to provide 950 hours of breastfeeding support.