New initiative will strengthen breastfeeding education and connect hospital, outpatient and community-based support for mothers and babies
BROOKLYN, NY — One Brooklyn Health (OBH) is advancing breastfeeding support in the Brownsville community through the “Improving Breastfeeding Outcomes in Brownsville, NY” initiative, supported by a grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Under the mentorship of Kemi Mascoll-Robertson, MD, Clinical Medical Director of Neonatology, Keresha Bird-Williams, MD, Pediatric Resident Physician, received the grant and will lead the initiative at OBH Brookdale Hospital Medical Center.
Brownsville is one of New York City’s most underserved communities, where families continue to face barriers to maternal and infant health, including persistent breastfeeding myths and limited access to consistent education and support. At Brookdale 75% of birthing persons initiate breastfeeding; however, only 5% are exclusively breastfeeding at the time of discharge. This gap highlights the need for earlier education and stronger support to help families feel informed and supported in their feeding decisions.
One Brooklyn Health serves a significant population of Brownsville residents through Brookdale Hospital Medical Center and its community-based Family Care Centers. The initiative builds on OBH’s commitment to the community by strengthening the connection between hospital care, outpatient follow-up and community-based resources available to families after discharge.
OBH Brookdale Hospital Medical Center has been a Baby-Friendly USA designated hospital since 2022, reflecting its commitment to evidence-based practices that support breastfeeding and healthy infant feeding.
The project aims to increase exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge from 5% to 10% and overall breastfeeding rates from 75% to 85%. The pilot will include 50 pregnant women/birthing persons, enrolled prenatally and followed through six months postpartum.
“What stands out to me is that our mothers are initiating breastfeeding, but the real gap appears after families go home. Initiation is not enough; mothers need continued support throughout the postpartum period. Through this initiative, we want families to know that One Brooklyn Health is here for them beyond the hospital walls, connecting mothers with our pediatric teams and community partners to build a strong circle of support around them and their babies. When we invest in our babies from the very beginning, we are investing in the future of our entire community,” said Keresha Bird-Williams, MD, Pediatric Resident Physician.
A key component of the initiative is culturally tailored, evidence-based breastfeeding education that addresses common breastfeeding myths. Plans include an educational video and supporting materials for use in prenatal education classes, antenatal clinic waiting areas, patient rooms, outpatient clinics and across OBH media platforms.
The initiative will also establish standardized warm handoffs from hospital-based lactation support to community resources and post- discharge follow-up. Community partners include Hope and Healing Family Center, Beraca Baptist Church, New Destiny Church, Healthy Families NY and HealthySteps NY.
“Breastfeeding plays an important role in maternal and infant health, with benefits that extend beyond the newborn period. As healthcare providers, we must ensure mothers have the education and continued support they need to reach their breastfeeding goals. Through this initiative, we hope to create a coordinated and sustainable system of care that supports families from pregnancy through the postpartum period, helping improve outcomes and provide healthier beginnings for babies and families across Brownsville,” said Kemi Mascoll-Robertson, MD, Clinical Medical Director of Neonatology.
About One Brooklyn Health
One Brooklyn Health (OBH)—comprising Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, Interfaith Medical Center, and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center—is nationally recognized for high-quality care in heart failure, stroke, diabetes, and other acute care services.
The system includes 12 ambulatory care centers, two nursing homes, an assisted and independent living facility, a transitional housing program, an urgent care center, and a retail pharmacy. OBH’s mission is to expand access to quality medical care for Brooklyn’s most vulnerable communities and beyond. For more information, please visit their website at onebrooklynhealth.org.
