Breastfeeding and Feminism Symposium: Registration and Call for Abstracts

This just in —

4th Breastfeeding & Feminism Symposium: From Birthplace to Workplace

Thursday and Friday, March 26 – 27, 2009

We are now accepting abstracts for poster presentations that describe research, programs or policies that address our theme. From Birthplace To Workplace will build on the following principles addressed at previous symposia:

• Breastfeeding is public health imperative and an important aspect of reproductive health, as well as a reproductive right and a social and biological process;
• Women must have the right of self-determination to breastfeed freely and without constraint;
• It is important to re-orient the paradigm in which breastfeeding is viewed as  a “lifestyle choice” to a paradigm in which it is a “human right” and a “social justice issue” so as to ensure the social, economic and political conditions necessary to promote success; and
• Women’s decisions to breastfeed should not result in the loss of their economic security or any rights or privileges to which they are otherwise entitled.

The 2009 symposium brings a feminist lens to ensuring the social, economic and political conditions necessary to secure breastfeeding for all women from the birthplace to the workplace. Working together in a transdisciplinary manner, with social scientists, health workers, lactation and feminist advocates, employers,  and policy makers, we will create a policy agenda for action.

Hosted by: The UNC at Greensboro Center For Women’s Health and Wellness and The UNC at Chapel Hill Carolina Breastfeeding Institute.

Please email CWHW AT uncg DOT edu for more information.