Promoting women's health in hospitals: a focus on breastfeeding and lactation support for employees and patients.

Hospitals often are one of the largest employers in communities, and nationwide, they employ more than 6.3 million employees. Hospitals also serve tens of millions of inpatients annually. Hospitals, therefore, can be leaders in worksite wellness and promoting breastfeeding and lactation support for new mothers. By adopting model standards and practices that promote breastfeeding, hospitals can influence women's health. This article focuses on the efforts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity to promote breastfeeding and lactation support for hospital employees and patients.