Abstract
This is the tenth year that we have gathered this special group of experts in the field of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding rates are increasing, more women are nursing for six months and some for a year and even longer. Is that not enough? Well, not all mothers are nursing; not all professionals are promoting breastfeeding. But more importantly, not all agencies of the government that affect health and health policy have joined the crusade. Not all local groups across the country have learned the value of breastfeeding. Most urgently, not all women have heard the message, nor have they received the support and training they need. Changes have been made, but there is more action needed.
Historically, one is reminded that the First Annual Summit on Breastfeeding was assembled by Breastfeeding Medicine and supported by the Kellogg Foundation on June 12, 2009. The purpose of that Summit was to bring together high-level leaders in government, healthcare provision, healthcare policy, and healthcare reimbursement to shape a program of action regarding breastfeeding and human lactation. Each year has built upon the progress and direction from the year before. There has been measurable progress in many venues.
How do we measure our progress? Counting mothers who are nursing and for how long is not enough. More hospitals, clinics and health professionals are promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Large gaps however exist in funding these programs. Many women have not heard the message and large clusters of people have been untouched by the efforts.
In this room today are many experts. Not experts experienced in how to breastfeed, but experts in health change. Experts in making policy changes, budgeting for health care programs and changing public knowledge and attitudes. We need to discuss these issues. We need your experience and skills to help us develop and support effective programs that reach mothers, health care providers and health care systems.
That is why we are all here. We have superb and articulate individuals to lead us. Let us begin.