More than 600 people registered for this year’s California Breastfeeding Summit, which took place entirely online from Jan. 24 to 26 using the Whova event app and platform. Our prior attendance record was in 2021 with just under 500 registered attendees.
Our vision at the California Breastfeeding Coalition is to see all families receive equitable access to quality, timely essential lactation support throughout the perinatal period.
We believe human milk is a human right, and we recognize disparities in breastfeeding rates exist due to racist structures and systems in health education, communication and medical policies and practices.
Our annual Summit is an example of how we amplify the voices and experiences of those who have been historically ignored. This year’s program included speakers who shared the deadly consequences of racism and discrimination in health care settings. Attendees also heard about the current state of lactation initiation and success throughout the state, important information on updated clinical protocols and how to provide excellent care to clients and patients.
2023 CBC Summit Award Recipients
Though many attendees register and participate in the California Breastfeeding Summit for the professional development and networking opportunities, we all enjoy celebrating the accomplishments of lactation advocates throughout the state.
The following individuals and organizations were recognized for their work in protecting, promoting and supporting lactation.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes exceptional new and emerging leaders for outstanding contributions to their community, local breastfeeding coalition and to recognize local lactation advocates who are change agents in their communities. This year’s award goes to:
- Zoraida McNulty, Latina Chicana (LatCh) Lactation Taskforce
Changemaker Award
The Changemaker Award is for Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, supporters and educators who are actively engaged in the birth and chest/breastfeeding fields. The award provides registration and technology support to attend Summit. This year’s recipients are:
- Kim Jarrett, Merced County
- Alisha Brown, Alameda County
- Rhonda Clayton, Los Angeles County
- Vanessa Morones, Alameda County
Golden Nugget Award
The Golden Nugget Award celebrates the accomplishments of local breastfeeding coalitions, collaboratives, consortiums and organizations. This award recognizes efforts in supporting National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) The Continuity Of Care In Breastfeeding Support Blueprint and the California Breastfeeding Coalition’s vision that “all families in California have access to quality lactation support, breastfeeding and chestfeeding resources and donor human milk.” This year’s honorees are:
- BreastfeedLA — Family-Centered Care, Implicit Bias Awareness and Cultural Humility Approach
- A More Excellent Way Health Improvement Organization — Breastfeeding as a Community Health Improvement Strategy
- CSU Northridge — Public Health, Allied Health and Healthcare Workforce Education
Baby-Friendly Hospital Recognition
In the U.S., Baby-Friendly USA is the accrediting body and national authority of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Baby-Friendly designation complies with California Health & Safety Codes 123366 and 123367 and is considered the highest standard of infant-feeding care in the country.
By achieving Baby-Friendly designation or re-designation, the following hospitals have demonstrated practices and policies that: successfully implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in the US; follow the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes; and enthusiastically understand evidence-based infant feeding practices and care.
Newly Designated Baby-Friendly Hospitals
- Adventist Health Reedley
- UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay
Re-Designated Baby-Friendly Hospitals in 2023
- Adventist Health Simi Valley
- Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
- Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System
- Tahoe Forest Hospital District
- Adventist Health White Memorial
- Enloe Medical Center
- St. Joseph’s Medical Center of Stockton