Breastfeeding Grand Rounds (BFGR) is a free, annual webcast sponsored by the University at Albany School of Public Health in partnership with the New York State Department of Health that is available to an international audience. The program draws upon the expertise and experiences of health professionals working in the breastfeeding field, to increase the viewer’s knowledge and enhance breastfeeding practices. The 2017 BFGR will focus on specific strategies health care providers can use to help change cultural norms to encourage breastfeeding in the United States (U.S.).
The social context in which a mother gives birth and cares for her child affects whether she initiates and continues breastfeeding. Scholarly and popular literature describes breastfeeding as both a biological and social practice. Health professionals have critically examined the ways biosocial factors shape breastfeeding practices among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups in the U.S. This BFGR will demonstrate how U.S. social values influence breastfeeding practices among mothers from different racial-ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Presenters will describe strategies that have worked to change cultural norms and societal values in ways that positively affect breastfeeding rates among different U.S. groups.
“Breastfeeding Grand Rounds: The Impact of Social and Cultural Values on Breastfeeding Practices and Strategies to Address Disparities” will air on August 3rd, 2017 from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM. This webcast is intended for healthcare professionals and paraprofessionals, and will offer CME, CNE, CHES, LCERP or general continuing education credits. For more information, and to register, please visit http://www.albany.edu/sph/cphce/bfgr.shtml.