New Haven Breast/Chestfeeding Task Force & Our Partners
Who we are
The New Haven Breast/Chestfeeding Task Force is a city-level task force working to build partnerships to support breast/chestfeeding work in New Haven, address racial/ethnic and income disparities in breast/chestfeeding services and rates, and advocate for policies and create initiatives that can empower people to breast/chestfeed.
We are convened by the Community Alliance for Research & Engagement (CARE) and New Haven Healthy Start.
Why we are needed
Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in breast/chestfeeding rates persist in New Haven due to a number of structural barriers, inequities, and institutional racism. Black and African American communities are disproportionately affected by these systemic barriers.
We formed this Task Force to actively work toward dismantling these barriers and addressing bias and racism in our institutions.
What we’re doing
The Task Force is made up of community organizations, community leaders, clinicians, researchers, caregivers, and people who breast/chestfeed—all working together on the following projects and initiatives to support our aims. Click here to review past Task Force agendas and here to read through major documents that have come out of our collective work. Read below to learn more about our many projects and initiatives
Community Advisory Board (CAB)
The CAB’s goal is to ensure that ongoing research and evaluation efforts reflect the priorities of the community, that data collection is carried out in a respectful and non-exploitative manner, and that the data collected reflect the needs of the community.
Breast/Chestfeeding-Friendly Locations
The Task Force is working to encourage businesses, worksites, and public locations across the Greater New Haven area to create spaces and policies for breast/chestfeeding in the workplace.
City-Wide Initiative on Breast/Chestfeeding at “Any Time, Any Place”
The Task Force is rolling out an initiative in New Haven that promotes community support for breast/chestfeeding at “any time, any place.” We are designing this initiative to be culturally appropriate for people who breast/chestfeed in New Haven, with a specific focus on supporting Black/African American individuals who breast/chestfeed.
The Task Force is supporting the development of breastfeeding training modules for healthcare providers, which will promote culturally appropriate breastfeeding care and referral to services. This includes modules on the Basics of Breastfeeding, as well as the Roots of Racial Inequities in Breastfeeding.
Breast/Chestfeeding Support & Learning Groups
Earth’s Natural Touch, a network of primarily Black/African American doulas, is running support groups focused on breastfeeding, grief/loss, pregnancy, and more. As a Task Force, we support and promote this critical service.
Peer Counselors
The Task Force is supporting further incorporation of peer counselors into current breast/chestfeeding work.
Learn More About the Task Force
Documents & Presentations
Access helpful documents about the state of breast/chestfeeding in New Haven.
Agendas & Meeting Notes
Check out our past agendas and meeting notes for the latest updates on our work, and learn how to get involved.
Get Involved
The Task Force meets on the 3rd Friday of each month from 2-3pm EST via Zoom. To attend or be added to the mailing list, email us!
