Committee Opinion No. 570: breastfeeding in underserved women: increasing initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.

Abstract

Maternal and infant benefits from breastfeeding are well documented and are especially important to underserved women. Underserved women are disproportionately likely to experience adverse health outcomes that may improve with breastfeeding. They face unique barriers and have low rates of initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. Through a multidisciplinary approach that involves practitioners, family members, and child care providers, obstetrician-gynecologists can help underserved women overcome obstacles and obtain the benefits of breastfeeding for themselves and their infants.