Research & Practice
Equity Mapping of Lactation Resources in Washington State
The idea that your zip code is a better predictor of your health than your genetic code has been widely propelled. Zip code is also a predictor of breast/chest feeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity and disparities in access to lactation support resources play a major role. The benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and nursing parents are well established and increase with duration, but numerous barriers faced by parents contribute to suboptimal duration and exclusivity. Many barriers could be resolved through continuous access to lactation support. However, lactation resources are not equitably distributed.
To better visualize what lactation services are lacking and in which geographic areas of the state, the Washington State Lactation Collaborative (WLC) and UW collaborated on an equity mapping analysis. Thirteen types of lactation resources were included. Resources were gathered through online directories, resource guides, and outreach, and then imported into ArcGIS Pro. Spatial data were linked with sociodemographic data for additional analyses in JMP Pro 18.
Findings demonstrate a rural-urban gap in access to lactation support. Areas with gaps were more likely to have higher socioeconomic vulnerability. Travel burden and lack of internet access were additional barriers in these areas. The results of the mapping analysis will be used to inform the WLC where to focus resources to improve equitable access to lactation support. Some of the recommendations include partnering with training programs to mentor and fund rural and BIPOC lactation service provider (LSP) trainees, supporting the creation of a centralized, public LSP directory, coordinating rural and BIPOC-focused listening sessions to better understand the unique challenges faced by these communities, and identifying rural clinics or libraries that could host lactation telehealth hubs.
Materials Available
Project Type(s): MPH Practicum, PH Concentration Poster
Author(s): Emma Johnsson
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2025
Adviser(s):