Breast is Best: Increasing Breastfeeding Resources at Boston Medical Center Pediatric Ambulatory Care Clinic to Improve Urban Health Equity

Drs. Rachael Bonawitz and Stephanie Klees propose a study to assess the difference in breastfeeding rates through the Nesting Clinic at Boston Medical Center (BMC) beginning pre-2012, when certified lactation counselors were present in clinic, and from 2012 to June 2015, the three years without lactation support services.

Drs. Bonawitz and Klees will conduct their research on 130 newborns in the Nesting Clinic at BMC. The aim is that the analysis will strengthen and enhance efforts to find outside funding to support the development of the following as low-cost interventions in the Pediatric Ambulatory Care Clinic at BMC:

• Establishment of a BMC Breastfeeding Support Group
• Education of current Pediatric Ambulatory Care Clinic staff members as Certified Lactation Counselors (to include RNs, LPNs, and interested MDs)
• Expanding the current available space for breastfeeding mothers in clinic, stocked with resources and supplies, including pumps and other supportive measures

View more projects funded through our Early Stage Urban Research Awards