National and chapter news

Medical Student Service Project: University of Texas Health Center at San Antonio Breastfeeding Education and Support for Teenage Mothers

The Breastfeeding Education and Support for Teenage Mothers (BEST) project was designed to address barriers to breastfeeding by targeting mothers at Seton Home in San Antonio, Texas. Seton Home is a residential facility providing shelter and support services for homeless teenagers ages 12-19 who are pregnant or have recently given birth. The BEST project seeks to meet the current need for educating and supporting Seton Home residents and Seton Home staff about breastfeeding. Medical and nursing students from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio who have attended breastfeeding management training meet with Seton Home residents biweekly. Over dinner, students talk with the residents to promote breastfeeding awareness and to educate the residents so that they have the information they need to breastfeed. By offering support and supplies, the BEST project aims to increase breastfeeding rates at Seton Home.