It’s Only Natural – A New Breastfeeding Campaign from HHS

Greetings,

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health is excited to announce the launch of a new breastfeeding campaign! It’s Only Natural helps African American women and their families understand the health benefits of breastfeeding — not just for babies, but for moms too. The campaign’s website is available at www.womenshealth.gov/itsonlynatural, where women will find information on topics such as addressing breastfeeding myths, overcoming challenges, and finding support, as well as video testimonials from breastfeeding moms.

Although recent information indicates that breastfeeding rates among African American women are increasing (http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/resources/breastfeeding-trends.htm), there is still a significant difference in the number of African American women who begin and continue breastfeeding their children compared with other ethnicities. It’s Only Natural will help new moms make the choice to breastfeed and will encourage them to seek support.

The website also includes resources for conducting community-based breastfeeding support sessions. Posters, fact sheets, and a breastfeeding session leader’s guide will help communities provide hands-on support for breastfeeding mothers.

Please take a moment to visit the It’s Only Natural website and tell your colleagues, partners, and friends about the valuable information available to African American women and their families.

Sincerely,

The Office on Women’s Health