https://ysph.yale.edu/ysph/cmips/news-rss/?orgId=120852&title=Latest+News A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Maternal and Child Health Promotion (MCHP) Program en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:10:03 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/new-report-calls-for-national-breastfeeding-strategy/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/new-report-calls-for-national-breastfeeding-strategy/ A new report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine calls for an evidence-based national strategy to increase breastfeeding rates in the United States. Yale School of Public Health Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, an international expert on breastfeeding, co-authored the NASEM report. Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://19thnews.org/2025/09/government-breastfeeding-paid-parental-leave/ https://19thnews.org/2025/09/government-breastfeeding-paid-parental-leave/ Researchers have been examining ways to increase breastfeeding rates for years. A new report co-authored by YSPH Professor Rafael Perez-Escamilla, an international expert on breastfeeding, urges the federal government to work with states to ensure implementation of existing maternal health programs and to support new ones. Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(25)00140-8/fulltext https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(25)00140-8/fulltext Mexico's taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and junk food are expected to substantially reduce consumption and help address the nation's diabetes crisis. Yet YSPH Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla says that taxes alone are insufficient. Without public health education and without clever social marketing campaigns and robust marketing regulation of the food industry, he says, the tax alone is unlikely to achieve more profound decreases in consumption. Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/transforming-public-health-science-into-local-and-global-practice/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/transforming-public-health-science-into-local-and-global-practice/ Implementation science has recently emerged as a novel interdisciplinary field for developing and applying methods and strategies to improve the delivery of proven health interventions in routine clinical and public health practice. Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/rafael-perez-escamilla-promoting-active-engagement-in-collaborative-classes/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/rafael-perez-escamilla-promoting-active-engagement-in-collaborative-classes/ This Spotlight on Teaching shines on Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, PhD, professor of public health (social and behavioral sciences), and his focus on a “flipped” classroom model. Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/ysph-community-supports-local-agencies-with-gift-basket-raffle/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/ysph-community-supports-local-agencies-with-gift-basket-raffle/ The gift basket raffle held during the school's annual Winter Celebration is an innovative way to support local community agencies. Mon, 09 Dec 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-024-02498-4 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-024-02498-4 Meet the biotech startups brewing milk in bioreactors to improve on baby formula. YSPH Professor Rafael Perez-Escamilla has concerns. Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/ariel-chao-a-pioneering-alum-in-ysph-biostatistics/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/ariel-chao-a-pioneering-alum-in-ysph-biostatistics/ Dr. Ariel Chao became the first PhD graduate of the Department of Biostatistics' new Implementation and Prevention Science Methods Pathway in May. She also earned her MPH in biostatistics from YSPH in 2020. Tue, 03 Sep 2024 12:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/five-things-infant-formula-companies-dont-want-you-to-know/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/five-things-infant-formula-companies-dont-want-you-to-know/ In recognition of National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week, which begins today, Yale School of Public Health Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla discusses five key, science-based facts that formula milk companies may not want people to know. Thu, 01 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/2024-top-research-awards-announced/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/2024-top-research-awards-announced/ Yale School of Public Health Associate Dean of Research Melinda Irwin announces the recipients of this year’s top research awards. Thu, 23 May 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/news/yale-medicine-magazine/article/heart-disease-in-women/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysm/news/yale-medicine-magazine/article/heart-disease-in-women/ Sex-linked differences are a significant factor in women's heart disease. Wed, 20 Mar 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2024/02/05/food-as-medicine-model-empowering-pregnant-latina-women/ https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2024/02/05/food-as-medicine-model-empowering-pregnant-latina-women/ The Yale School of Public Health and Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center are teaming up with several other organizations to help pregnant Latina women in Hartford improve their health with a trial food-as-medicine program. Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/perez-escamilla-receives-dollar400k-grant-to-study-novel-intervention-for-people-with-type-2-diabetes/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/perez-escamilla-receives-dollar400k-grant-to-study-novel-intervention-for-people-with-type-2-diabetes/ Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, professor of public health (social behavioral sciences) at the Yale School of Public Health, has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the American Heart Association to study how a novel produce-prescription program might improve the health of Hispanic people in Hartford, Connecticut, with type 2 diabetes. Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.courant.com/2024/01/22/many-ct-students-fail-state-physical-fitness-tests-its-true-in-high-and-low-income-towns/ https://www.courant.com/2024/01/22/many-ct-students-fail-state-physical-fitness-tests-its-true-in-high-and-low-income-towns/ An analysis of assessment data from the Connecticut Department of Education found that physical fitness has declined in public schools across the state, with low-income districts hit hardest. Yale School of Public Health Professors Rafael Pérez-Escamilla and Nicola Hawley provide insights. Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/spiegelman-recognized-as-top-female-scientist-for-second-consecutive-year/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/spiegelman-recognized-as-top-female-scientist-for-second-consecutive-year/ For the second year in a row, Yale School of Public Health Professor Donna Spiegelman, Sc.D., has been named a top female scientist by Research.com. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/a-year-of-breastfeeding-costs-families-as-much-as-dollar11000-study-finds/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/a-year-of-breastfeeding-costs-families-as-much-as-dollar11000-study-finds/ The direct and indirect costs of breastfeeding are far higher than people might assume, making the choice to breastfeed rather than bottle feed less automatic for many families. Tue, 04 Apr 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/experts-call-for-an-end-to-the-exploitative-marketing-used-by-the-baby-formula-milk-industry/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/experts-call-for-an-end-to-the-exploitative-marketing-used-by-the-baby-formula-milk-industry/ A newly released Series on breastfeeding published in The Lancet argues that formula milk companies exploit parents’ emotions and manipulate scientific information to generate sales at the expense of the health and rights of families, women, and children. Wed, 08 Feb 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/new-lancet-series-highlights-the-continuing-struggle-that-breastfeeding-women-face-across-the-globe/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/new-lancet-series-highlights-the-continuing-struggle-that-breastfeeding-women-face-across-the-globe/ A Lancet Series published on Feb. 8, 2023, highlights the continuing struggle that women across the globe face to meet their breastfeeding goals. Yale School of Public Health Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, a leading authority on breastfeeding policy and early childhood nutrition, is co-author of all three Series articles and the lead author of the first paper featured in the Series. Wed, 08 Feb 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/ysph-professor-prez-escamilla-contributes-to-new-american-journal-of-public-health-series-nutrition-in-the-first-1000-days/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/ysph-professor-prez-escamilla-contributes-to-new-american-journal-of-public-health-series-nutrition-in-the-first-1000-days/ YSPH Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla contributed an essay to the American Journal of Public Health's “Nutrition in the First 1000 Days,” a comprehensive special series of editorials, perspectives, and research and analysis about ways to improve nutrition in the crucial first 1,000 days of a child's development, from pregnancy through second birthday. Fri, 28 Oct 2022 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/faculty-spotlight-rafael-perez-escamilla/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/faculty-spotlight-rafael-perez-escamilla/ Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized expert in nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life and a leading authority on breastfeeding and early childhood development. Mon, 19 Sep 2022 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/major-funding-award-supports-school-efforts-to-address-maternal-health-inequities/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/major-funding-award-supports-school-efforts-to-address-maternal-health-inequities/ A team of Yale researchers, working collaboratively with Yale New Haven Hospital and community partners, is exploring ways to improve health outcomes for at-risk postpartum women with the support of a $20.4 million funding award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Mon, 02 May 2022 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/maternal-child-health-promotion-the-future-of-global-health/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/maternal-child-health-promotion-the-future-of-global-health/ Gestation and the first years of life are the foundation for human development and arguably the development of nations and the future of our planet. Decades of research have documented the enormous harms that poor health, household food insecurity, malnutrition, a lack of early stimulation opportunities, and physical and psychological abuse can inflict in the bodies and minds of children. Mon, 02 May 2022 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/yale-school-of-public-health-launches-maternal-and-child-health-promotion-track/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/yale-school-of-public-health-launches-maternal-and-child-health-promotion-track/ The Yale School of Public Health has launched a new academic track that promotes the health of mothers and their babies and children. Mon, 02 May 2022 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/snapshots/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/snapshots/ Improving maternal and child health has long been a cornerstone of the Yale School of Public Health’s mission—from the pioneering poliomyelitis research of Drs. John Rodman Paul and Dorothy Horstmann to the groundbreaking indoor air quality studies of Brian Leaderer and community alliances for better health established by Jeannette Ickovics. Mon, 02 May 2022 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/major-funding-award-supports-yale-efforts-to-address-maternal-health-inequities/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/major-funding-award-supports-yale-efforts-to-address-maternal-health-inequities/ A team of Yale researchers, working collaboratively with Yale New Haven Hospital, community partners and two regional hospitals, is exploring ways to improve health outcomes among pregnant and postpartum women in priority populations that have been historically underserved and experience systemic racism. A $18 million funding award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will support the study. Thu, 17 Mar 2022 04:00:00 Z https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/03/01/1082775961/infant-formula-promoted-in-aggressive-and-misleading-ways-says-new-global-report https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/03/01/1082775961/infant-formula-promoted-in-aggressive-and-misleading-ways-says-new-global-report "Advertisements will make me buy infant formula, if I see a beautiful and chubby baby on TV, well-fed and smiling." Tue, 01 Mar 2022 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/ysph-professor-named-to-newmans-own-foundation-board-of-directors/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/ysph-professor-named-to-newmans-own-foundation-board-of-directors/ Yale School of Public Health Professor Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, Ph.D., has been named to the Board of Directors of Newman’s Own Foundation Wed, 12 Jan 2022 04:00:00 Z https://guyanatimesgy.com/childhood-development-2/ https://guyanatimesgy.com/childhood-development-2/ According to findings from ‘The Lancet’s Series, Advancing Early Childhood Development: from Science to Scale’ an estimated 43 per cent—249 million—of children under five in low-and middle-income countries are at an elevated risk of poor development due to extreme poverty and stunting. Wed, 08 Sep 2021 04:00:00 Z https://twitter.com/msdcenter/status/1435276431538286594?s=20 https://twitter.com/msdcenter/status/1435276431538286594?s=20 The Philip R. Nader Legacy of Health Lectureship is open for registration! Tune in to hear Dr. Perez-Escamilla’s presentation “Responsive Feeding and Childhood Obesity Prevention: An Equitable Nurturing Care Perspective.” Tue, 07 Sep 2021 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/track-promoting-maternal-and-child-health-launched/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/track-promoting-maternal-and-child-health-launched/ An academic track that bolsters the health of mothers and their babies and children launched at the beginning of the 2021–22 academic year. Wed, 01 Sep 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/yale-school-of-public-health-partnership-with-mexico-leads-to-new-online-implementation-science-course/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/yale-school-of-public-health-partnership-with-mexico-leads-to-new-online-implementation-science-course/ A new YSPH partnership with the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico has led to the launch of an online Spanish language summer course in implementation science for health professionals. Tue, 20 Jul 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/yale-school-of-public-health-launches-maternal-child-health-promotion-track/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/yale-school-of-public-health-launches-maternal-child-health-promotion-track/ A new academic track that promotes the health of mothers and their babies and children is being launched by the Yale School of Public Health at the beginning of the new academic year this fall. Mon, 19 Apr 2021 04:00:00 Z https://publichealth.yale.edu/news-article/30912/ https://publichealth.yale.edu/news-article/30912/ His work has taken him throughout Brazil and lead to many collaborations and partnerships that thrive to this day. Wed, 10 Mar 2021 04:00:00 Z https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/equityinbreastfeeding https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/equityinbreastfeeding Interventions and policy approaches to promote equity in breastfeeding. Call for papers for a special collection in International Journal for Equity in Health. Edited by Rafael Perez-Escamilla and Mireya Vilar-Compte. Providing accessible, high-quality and equitable support for all women who want to breastfeed is a sound social investment. Abstracts are due June 30, 2020. Mon, 08 Jun 2020 04:00:00 Z http://meeting.nutrition.org/program/ http://meeting.nutrition.org/program/ Dr. Rafael Perez-Escamilla recently received The Kellogg Prize for Lifetime Achievements in International Nutrition to honor his lifetime achievements in international nutrition research to benefit populations in non-industrialized countries. Dr. Perez-Escamilla will be giving his lifetime achievement award lecture next year at the Nutrition 2021 Conference in Boston, MA. The Nutrition 2020 Conference will be held virtually May 30th - June 2, 2020. Tue, 10 Mar 2020 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/15-faculty-elected-to-connecticut-academy-of-science-and-engineering/ https://ysph.yale.edu/cmips/news-article/15-faculty-elected-to-connecticut-academy-of-science-and-engineering/ Dr. Rafael Perez-Escamilla is one of the 15 faculty elected to be members of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE). Thu, 27 Feb 2020 04:00:00 Z