Isdell Family Foundation Grant Proposal

Isdell Family Foundation Grant Proposal

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  957 North PlumGrove Road • Schaumburg IL 60173 USA 847.519.7730 • fax 847.969.0460 • 800.LALECHE For more information www.llli.org © May 2009, La Leche League International This informational sheet may not be reproduced in any manner without written permission from La Leche League International. May 28, 2009 Cara Isdell Lee Isdell Family Foundation 2180 Monterey Drive Atlanta, GA 30318 Dear Cara, Thank you for the opportunity to submit proposals to the Isdell Family Foundation in support of our Leader Accreditation Scholarship Program and Information for Global “Baby-Friendly” Hospitals Project. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact either me at [email protected] or (847) 519-7730 x216 or Holly Stevens, Development Director at [email protected] or (847) 519-7730 x201. Support from the Isdell Family Foundation will enable us to continue our mission of helping mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and, in turn, contribute to the healthy development of baby and mother. Thank you for your consideration of our request. Sincerely, Barbara Emanuel Executive Director Enclosures
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  1 La Leche LeagueInternational Funding Proposal to the Isdell Family Foundation Information for Global “Baby-Friendly” Hospitals Organization Background Founded in 1956, La Leche League International (LLLI) is recognized as an authority on breastfeeding. Its mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. This mission is carried out in over 68 countries by thousands of accredited volunteer Leaders— mothers who have breastfed their own children and received training by LLLI—who provide breastfeeding information and support at no cost. Developed in coordination with major medical associations, LLLI educational resources provide the latest information on breastfeeding. Over the years this information has been the foundation for the implementation of educational seminars for physicians as well as international conferences for the public that allow for an exchange of ideas between parents and professionals. La Leche League International maintains a virtual global reference library of information on breastfeeding, and publishes and distributes thousands of books and periodicals on breastfeeding, including versions in dozens of languages and Braille. The state-of-the-art LLLI Web site offers a plethora of supportive breastfeeding resources and directs families from around the world to LLL Leaders in their community that can provide them with local support. LLLI is an active partner with organizations who also strive to develop global strategies that will promote the benefits of breastfeeding. These organizations include the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Child Survival Collaborations and Resources Group (CORE). Breastfeeding Facts The hospital environment is a key area where care providers can make a difference because their knowledge and influence can both improve infant health and decrease infant mortality rates. Numerous studies conclude that optimal health benefits are obtained from early breastfeeding initiation and adequate duration. Breast milk is a baby’s first immunization and provides benefits that last a lifetime. Studies have proven that breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants and contains antibodies that protect them from bacterial and viral infections. Breastfeeding mothers benefit from a lower risk of breast cancer, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. Breastfeeding entails a significant economic advantage as fewer illnesses for breastfed babies mean fewer visits to the doctor and stays in the hospital. For families with limited financial
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  2 resources it isunquestionably the most cost effective feeding method. It has been estimated that if recipients of US government assistance would replace one month of formula with breast milk there would be an annual savings of $29 million. Such savings are possible around the world because women who breastfeed enrich their local economies by reducing health care costs and conserving energy. Breastfeeding also benefits the environment because it does not necessitate electricity or gas for heating or for cleaning containers. Human milk is not mass-produced and packaged so it does not increase pollution of the air, water, and land. In times of disasters or emergencies, there is often a risk of contamination with food and water supplies, but because breastfeeding does not necessitate clean water to sterilize bottles it is the safest form of feeding for infants during these crises. The promotion of breastfeeding and distribution of accurate information—whether during a crisis or not—will save the lives of babies around the world. A Global Leader in Breastfeeding Informational Materials For over 50 years, La Leche League International has been a leading voice in the promotion of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. The LLLI method of mother-to-mother support and encouragement has proved to be very successful but without the accurate, evidence-based information produced by LLLI, volunteer Leaders would be ill-equipped to provide the best support possible to pregnant and nursing mothers worldwide. Leaders and health care professionals around the world continue to utilize LLLI publications as a primary source of information, providing background information, research findings and the accumulated knowledge of mothers from the last 50 years. Formats of this material range from succinct leaflets, tear-off sheets, and booklets to the cornerstone books of LLLI, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and The Breastfeeding Answer Book. Other publications target specific audiences: • Journal for Leaders—ex. Leaven in the United States. Various global Leader journals exist to inform and inspire active LLL Leaders and keep them current with the latest breastfeeding research and information. • Journal for Members—ex. New Beginnings in the United States or Close to the Heart in Asia. These journals provide information and inspiration to mothers through narrative stories and inspirational passages that can be used in LLL meetings. • Journal for Health Care Professionals—Breastfeeding Abstracts in the U.S. and similar journals include abstracts or summaries of recent research on breastfeeding from medical literature, current topics of interest in the field of lactation, and reviews of professional books. The wide variety of publications that La Leche League International has developed over the years has greatly supported the LLLI mission and broadened its outreach to the world at large. LLLI recently developed succinct pocket guides and continues to update its informative tear-off
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  3 sheets. The guideis a comprehensive resource while the sheets provide “snapshots” of various issues, such as Introducing Complementary Foods, Sore Nipples, and Breastfeeding After a Cesarean. Both pieces allow for easy distribution and facilitate relatively quick translations. Despite the significant strides LLLI has made, an overview of health issues affecting babies and mothers around the world highlights the vital necessity of broadening and increasing the distribution of this accurate breastfeeding information. The Need for LLLI Information & Global Information Distribution Proposal Many health care professionals around the world consider La Leche League International to be a considerable expert on breastfeeding support. At the same time, there are many professionals who do not understand the important health benefits of breast milk and who give incorrect or inaccurate information to pregnant or nursing mothers. Outside of the healthcare field—in various global communities—are millions of women who know nothing about breastfeeding or, even worse, have many misconceptions about it. Such false notions have contributed to low breastfeeding initiation rates and brief duration. It’s even more alarming to consider that the resulting poor health, high infant mortality rates, and low quality of life are nearly entirely preventable through proper breastfeeding and infant feeding practices. This is where La Leche League International can make a difference. The establishment of partnerships between LLLI and “baby-friendly” hospitals and health care centers around the globe can ensure that health care professionals—obstetricians, pediatricians, nurses, lactation consultants, etc.—receive the most current information on breastfeeding and tips for solving common problems such as latch-on and positioning. LLLI materials are extremely essential in these facilities since health care professionals are highly respected and trusted sources of information. Baby-Friendly Facilities—Going Global Previous support from The Isdell Family Foundation in 2008 enabled La Leche League International to update relevant material and distribute New Mother Packets—at no cost—to 5,000 new mothers through “baby-friendly” hospitals and health care community centers in the United States. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was started in 1991 by the World Health Organization and UNICEF in an effort to ensure that all maternities, whether free standing or in a hospital, become centers of breastfeeding support. A facility can be designated as “baby- friendly” when it does not accept free or low-cost breast milk substitutes, feeding bottles or teats, and has implemented 10 specific steps to support successful breastfeeding. Since its inception, the BFHI has awarded the “baby-friendly” status to more than 20,000 facilities in over 152 countries—79 of these facilities are in the U.S. alone. Research about breastfeeding misconceptions in various geographic areas around the world illuminates astounding substantiation for the global need for La Leche League International
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  4 educational resources. Considerthe following practices that currently contribute to infant and child malnutrition—and thus continued health problems—in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Country Current Belief or Practice Optimal Belief or Practice China Hospital visitors bring gifts to be consumed by the baby. Infant formula is given to nearly one- third of mothers. Breast milk is insufficient and the more quickly the baby gains weight the healthier the baby is. Early formula introduction leads to low exclusive breastfeeding rates and results diminish benefits. For the majority of mother-baby dyads, breast milk is sufficient to meet the baby’s needs. The more often you breastfeed, the more milk is produced. Bolivia Many mothers believe that male infants need more nutrition than female infants and thus formula is introduced early. Regardless of gender, infants obtain optimal benefits through breastfeeding that are greatly diminished through early supplement introduction. India Breastfeeding is often delayed until 2-3 days postpartum because milk is “not ready.” Breast milk does not provide enough nutrition or sustenance, so prelacteal feeds are introduced early and often. Breast milk often comes in quickly. Prelacteal feeds are potentially harmful to a newborn. They can introduce infection, sensitize the gut to foreign proteins, or delay the onset of lactation. West Indies Women can’t afford to breastfeed because it requires a diet of 3,000 calories per day. Breastfeeding is actually the most economically advantageous form of infant feeding and necessitates a caloric increase of only 500 per day. Zambia Colostrum, the first secretion from the mammary glands after birth, is “dirty” or it is “just water” and should therefore be discarded. Colostrum, rich in antibodies, is extremely valuable and nutritious. It may reduce or protect against neonatal septicaemia, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections, reducing infant mortality. Desired Support & Evaluation LLLI would like to request $50,000 from the Isdell Family Foundation to provide breastfeeding materials to 25 Baby-Friendly hospitals and facilities in the geographic areas of Africa, Asia, and Latin America for distribution to new mothers upon discharge from the hospital. Funds would support translation and cultural adaptation of the LLLI breastfeeding guide and 5 tear-off information sheets into a variety of languages. Support from the Isdell Family Foundation will also cover the printing costs and shipping of these educational materials to the “baby-friendly” hospitals. Evaluation tools—in survey format—will be utilized to acquire feedback and suggestions for improvement from recipient Baby-Friendly facilities. Local LLL Leaders who have a relationship with these facilities, may be able to gather feedback from mothers who received these packets. Moving forward, once translations are complete and initial shipments have been distributed, online communications between La Leche League International and these facilities can lead to further distribution of our materials. Throughout this process, every effort will be made to identify a valuable network of resources for the distribution of LLLI materials, including translation reviewers and printing facilities. Therefore, supplementary funding resources are being sought. Through its 2008 year-end
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  5 campaign, LLLI listedtranslations as one of its projects for funding and a portion of the received revenue was allocated to this important need. Budget: Printing $16,760.00 Breastfeeding Guide (50 pages) (25,000 copies @ $.26 per guide=$6,500) Tear-off Sheets (Pad of 50 sheets) Breastfeeding Tips (dual language with English on one side) (500 pads x 6 languages x $1.90 per pad=$5,700) Is My Breastfed Baby Getting Enough Milk Breastfeeding After Cesarean Birth Are Your Nipples Sore? Introducing Complementary Foods to Your Breastfed Baby (4 tear-off sheets, 100 for each of the 6 languages @ $1.90 per pad=$4,560) Translations $23,440.00 Breastfeeding Guide (50 pages) Languages: Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, French (4 languages @ $2,918 per language=$11,672) Tear-off Sheets (Pad of 50 sheets) Breastfeeding Tips (dual language with English on one side) Languages: Traditional Chinese, Arabic, French, Japanese & Afrikaans (NOTE: Already translated into Spanish in March 2009) (5 languages, excluding English & Spanish, @ $222.10 per language=$1,111) Is My Breastfed Baby Getting Enough Milk Breastfeeding After Cesarean Birth Are Your Nipples Sore? Introducing Complementary Foods to Your Breastfed Baby Languages: Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, French, Japanese & Afrikaans (4 tear-off sheets, 6 languages @ $444.00 per language=$10,656) Shipping $9,800.00 Materials (boxes, packing tape) - $500 Transportation costs - $9,300 TOTAL $50,000.00
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  6 Conclusion Through collaboration withvarious LLL entities, LLLI is expanding this project outside the U.S. to include the 68 countries around the world that contain Baby-Friendly hospitals where LLLI has a presence. Identification of resources in recipient countries that can translate and culturally adapt LLLI materials will ensure the resulting information is both relevant and accurate, yielding optimal mother-to-mother support and healthy babies. Providing updated breastfeeding information to new mothers and health care professionals around the world is crucial to decreasing infant mortality rates and improving the health of babies across the world. Thank you for your consideration of this proposal from La Leche League International.
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  “Thank you, thankyou, thank you. I just read an article on overac- tive letdown on the Web site. It answers so many questions. I knew that my letdown was forceful but I had no idea that it might be the reason that my little boy was so gassy, fussy, and would occasion- ally scream and arch his little back when we would breastfeed. It all makes so much more sense now. I will try some of the suggestions listed. Thank you, again.” —— AAnnoonnyymmoouuss “I am thankful to a friend who introduced me to LLL. Before giving birth to my daughter…I knew deep down that [breastfeeding] was something I wanted to do. My daughter is 14 months old and still breastfeeding. I turn to the La Leche League Web site all the time.” –– SSuubbmmiitttteedd oonn tthhee LLLLLL FFaacceebbooookk ggrroouupp ffrroomm aa mmootthheerr ffrroomm GGuuaaddeelloouuppee,, FFrraannccee 957 North Plum Grove Road • Schaumburg IL 60173 USA 847.519.7730 • fax 847.969.0460 • 800.LALECHE © May 2009, La Leche League International | www.llli.org For Leaders and health care professionals around the world, La Leche League International (LLLI) publications are a primary source of information, providing background information, research findings and the accumulated knowledge of mothers from the last 50 years. The following statements are from healthcare professionals and LLL Leaders who have recently supported mothers and babies using LLLI tear-off sheets and breastfeeding guides, which offer concise information in an easy-to-use and inexpensive format. • “Clear and easy to understand. Terrific photo of the mother and baby connecting and being aware of each other. Great job!” • “The perfect [tear-off] sheet. I love the ‘false alarms’ section. This will be very helpful!” • “Great to see updates are not just [statistic] changes. …Nice new layout and everything!” • “Very good information—easy to read and understand.” — International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) • “I am the regional breastfeeding coordinator and order educational materials for 23 counties in northeast Indiana, USA. We lactation consultants value La Leche League handouts and were excited to see the updated Complementary Foods tear-off, among others. These sheets are excellent resources—precise, accurate, and always detailing topics that are relevant.” — IBCLC and Health Care Professional • “Tons of great information in one place.” • “Thanks to LLLI, new moms in our community are getting wonderful breastfeeding information. Thank you!” The La Leche League International Web site—currently available in ten languages—is a resource for hundreds of thousands of moms each and every month. Statements by Women Who Have Benefited from La Leche League International Publications
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  Grants Committee Isdell FamilyFoundation 2180 Monterey Drive Atlanta, GA 30318 To Members of the Grants Committee: This letter is in support of the grant proposals submitted by La Leche League International. As retired Vice President for The Coca-Cola Company, I had the pleasure of working with Neville Isdell and admire his passion for global health. La Leche League International (LLLI), a global health advocate, is committed to optimal family health through the practice of breastfeeding as a significant element in the healthy development of babies worldwide.! UNICEF stated (2005) that six million lives are saved each year as the result of exclusive breastfeeding. It provides lifelong benefits for both child and mother that cannot be replicated by artificial means. Human milk is uniquely suited to an infant’s developmental needs and provides complete nutrition, increasing the survival rate of infants born around the world—especially those in developing countries. Breastfeeding also lowers a mother’s risk of developing breast cancer throughout her life, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. Furthermore, it’s environmentally sound and economically advantageous to the family and local economy because it reduces health care costs and conserves energy. The LLLI mission of providing breastfeeding support at no cost to mothers worldwide is carried out by thousands of volunteer “Leaders”—mothers who breastfed their own children and were accredited through LLLI. My wife Susan and I have been involved with LLLI for over 30 years. I have served as a member of the Management Advisory Council and currently serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee on the LLLI Board of Directors. Susan has been a volunteer Leader in Atlanta, Georgia since the birth of our oldest daughter, who very recently received her accreditation as a Leader. Throughout our association with LLLI, we have been impressed with the organization’s commitment, passion, and focus in carrying out its mission. Strong leadership and experience in administering successful projects, in addition to the day-to-day volunteer work of its Leaders, have earned this organization international respect and productive partnerships with global health organizations. Thank you for your consideration of this grant request from La Leche League International. from the desk of HUGH SWITZER address 4651 Sentinel View Road Atlanta, GA 30327 tel (404) 365-9374 May 18, 2009 Hugh Switzer Chairman, Finance Committee La Leche League International Board of Directors Sincerely,