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Committing to Breastfeeding in Social Work
Carol Grace Hurst1, Rebecca Reno1, Tess Lefmann1
1Carol Grace Hurst, PhD, is associate professor and program director of social work, Applied Social Sciences, Eastern Mennonite University, 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA; e-mail: carol.hurst@emu.edu. Rebecca Reno, PhD, is maternal child health postdoctoral fellow, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley. Tess Lefmann, PhD, is assistant professor, Department of Social Work, School of Applied Sciences, University of Mississippi, University.
Social work commitment is crucial to address racial and socioeconomic breastfeeding disparities. Advancing breastfeeding equity through social work practice and advocacy is vital for maternal and child health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Social Work Practice
- Health Equity
Background:
- Breastfeeding is a critical component of maternal and child health.
- Persistent racial and socioeconomic breastfeeding inequalities represent a significant social justice issue.
- Despite increasing overall breastfeeding rates in the U.S., disparities persist among certain maternal groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of breastfeeding within the social work profession.
- To frame breastfeeding inequality as a social justice issue requiring social work intervention.
- To integrate understanding of breastfeeding benefits into social work ethical codes and practice.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a social work disciplinary perspective focused on social justice.
- Aligning breastfeeding health benefits with the National Association of Social Workers ethical code.
- Discussing the practice context for early breastfeeding intervention within maternal-child health.
Main Results:
- Social work's commitment can address critical breastfeeding inequalities.
- Integrating breastfeeding support aligns with the core values and ethical code of social work.
- Social work has the potential to advance breastfeeding equity through practice, scholarship, and action.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding support is integral to the social work profession's mission.
- Addressing breastfeeding disparities is a key aspect of social justice and maternal-child health.
- Social work interventions are essential for achieving equitable breastfeeding outcomes for all mothers and infants.
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