A policy brief suggests educating women on breastfeeding will help reduce Ohio's high infant mortality rate.Ohio ranks 45th in the nation. Infant mortality rates among Ohio African-American babies are higher than those of caucasians. The brief by the Children's Defense Fund of Ohio says breastfeeding is a low cost, accessible solution. Spokesperson Renuka Mayadev.
Some women are unable to breastfeed for medical reasons, but others say they lack the necessary healthcare and nutrition support. Mayadev says working mothers are especially harmed by this lack of support.
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The brief recommends home visits from lactation consultants, and requiring hospitals to promote breastfeeding in the delivery room.
