Similac® Partners with National Association of Hispanic Nurses® to Launch StrongMoms® Español

Program Offers Expert Advice and Resources on Infant Nutrition

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Nov 07, 2013, 09:00 ET

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Nov. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- (NYSE: ABT) – With Hispanic babies now accounting for more than 25 percent of births in the United States according to the U.S. Census, there is an increasing need for Hispanic moms to have access to Spanish-language resources that can help them make an informed decision about what is best for the nutrition of their babies and families.

Similac, the number one infant formula brand in the U.S., is trying to meet that resource need with the launch of StrongMoms Español, a free program that provides Hispanic moms relevant, Spanish-language resources that can help them give their babies a great nutritional start, whether breastfeeding, formula-feeding or a combination of both. In an effort to increase awareness of the StrongMoms Español program, Similac has partnered with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), which has advocated for more educational resources on infant nutrition for Hispanic moms.

"Our members witness firsthand every day how many Hispanic women face motherhood without receiving credible information on the options available to feed their babies," said Jose Alejandro, Ph.D., MBA, RN-BC, CCM, FACHE, President of NAHN. "Hispanic moms give birth to more than one out of four babies in the U.S., yet few comprehensive Spanish-language resources exist to help educate them about infant feeding."

Similac's StrongMoms Español program provides moms expert advice on infant nutrition from the beginning of their pregnancy through baby's first year. Moms who enroll will receive weekly emails about baby's development, prenatal nutrition and infant nutrition – including breastfeeding, supplementing and formula-feeding, as well as product samples and coupons. Moms can also access additional resources on a newly-redesigned, Spanish-language website from Similac – es.similac.com.

"Healthcare providers around the country tell us about the great need for Spanish-language resources on infant nutrition to share with Hispanic moms," said Rhonda Hoffman, Division Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Pediatric Nutrition, Abbott. "We adapted materials from Similac's StrongMoms program, which has supported and educated moms for 20 years, to help bridge the resource gap."

To promote the availability of the StrongMoms Español resources, NAHN and Similac will host educational events with expert speakers, such as registered dietitian Claudia Gonzalez, a well-regarded nutrition expert, and NAHN nurses. Speakers at the events will discuss the latest information on relevant parenting topics such as prenatal nutrition, infant nutrition and maternal empowerment. In addition to the educational seminars, moms will have the opportunity to meet with nurses one-on-one to discuss infant nutrition, breastfeeding and formula feeding. There also will be interactive activities for babies and young children, manicures for moms and free photo opportunities for moms to pose with their babies or baby bumps.

"As a mother of three and having had the opportunity to provide counsel to many Hispanic families, I understand that each mom faces a situation that is unique to her and her family," said Gonzalez. "There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and it is our responsibility as professionals to help moms navigate through this journey. That way, each mom can find the solution that best fits her circumstance, while ensuring that her baby receives proper nutrition."

The StrongMoms Español events, titled Mamas That Nourish, will take place Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST in Miami (Catalyst Miami, 1900 Biscayne Blvd # 200, Miami, Fla., 33132) and Nov. 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. PST in Los Angeles (Charles Drew University, Keck Auditorium, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059).

For more information on StrongMoms Español and to enroll in the program, moms can visit es.Similac.com/unete.

About National Association of Hispanic Nurses

The National Association of Hispanic Nurses is a nonprofit professional association committed to the promotion of the professionalism and dedication of Hispanic nurses by providing equal access to educational, professional, and economic opportunities for Hispanic nurses. NAHN is also dedicated to the improvement of the quality of health and nursing care of Hispanic consumers.

About Similac

Similac offers a complete line of infant formulas, specialty products for preterm babies and Similac Prenatal Vitamins, a complete multivitamin for moms during pregnancy and breastfeeding. With a well-documented heritage of innovation, Similac formulas have been developed with leading scientists and more than 280 clinical studies.

About Abbott Nutrition

For more than 85 years, Abbott Nutrition has been a leader in developing and marketing science-based nutrition products to support the growth, health and wellness of people of all ages. Brands include Similac^® infant formulas, Gain^® growing-up formulas, PediaSure^® nutritional shakes for children, Ensure^® nutritional shakes for adults, Glucerna^® nutritional shakes and bars for people with diabetes, EAS^® specialized products for athletes, and ZonePerfect^®nutrition bars for busy, active lifestyles. More information about Abbott Nutrition and its products is available at www.AbbottNutrition.com.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare company devoted to improving life through the development of products and technologies that span the breadth of healthcare. With a portfolio of leading, science-based offerings in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott serves people in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 70,000 people.

Visit Abbott at www.Abbott.com and connect with us on Twitter at @AbbottNews.

SOURCE Abbott