About Us

2008 Revision

Vision

Reestablish breastfeeding as the biological and cultural norm for feeding and nurturing infants and young children throughout Ohio.

Mission

Improve the health of Ohio citizens by working collaboratively to promote, support and protect breastfeeding and human milk feeding.

Goals

• Increase the proportion of Ohio mothers who breastfeed their infants to meet Healthy People 2010 Goals (rev.) (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) for at least minimum percent:

• In the early postpartum period to 75%
• At 6 months to 50%
• At 12 months to 25%
• Exclusively for 3 months to 40%
• Exclusively for 6 months to 17%

• Increase public awareness of breastfeeding as a health care intervention and disease prevention strategy for maternal and child health conditions, which include but are not limited to: obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancers, etc.
• Develop networks for sharing and disseminating information among groups and individuals in Ohio interested in improving the health of mothers and infants/children through breastfeeding.

Objectives

To achieve our vision, mission and goals for promoting, supporting and protecting breastfeeding, resulting in cultural change for Ohio, several objectives will be incorporated into a strategic plan that will include project development in the following areas:

• Improve communication among and assist in the development of local, regional and statewide breastfeeding coalitions.
• Increase education in the public and healthcare sectors, and among other professionals serving breastfeeding families.
• Improve clinical care for breastfeeding families in all perinatal settings.
• Increase understanding of breastfeeding as a health promoting behavior in all environments, including: schools, worksites, businesses, community facilities and religious sectors.
• Serve as a resource for the public and healthcare sectors, and other professionals serving breastfeeding families.
• Advocate for breastfeeding families in community and statewide departments of health, legislative bodies and administrative agencies.
• Raise charitable funds in the form of in-kind, non-cash, grants or awards to implement Ohio Breastfeeding Alliance projects and activities.