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August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month

In a world filled with inequality, crises and poverty, breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong good health for babies and mothers. With no additional burden on household income, breastfeeding is a low-cost way of feeding babies and contributes to poverty reduction. Breastfeeding prevents hunger and malnutrition in all its forms, and ensures food security for babies, even in times of crises.

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Michigan. In order to promote early breastfeeding success and breastfeeding outcomes, the Michigan Breastfeeding Network has announced a statewide initiative to provide continuity of care for mothers and babies. Supporters of this effort include hospitals, WIC agencies, community stakeholders, coalitions, physicians, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties. According to Carrie Polley, WIC Coordinator, for Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties and Chris Davis, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant at OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group, this collaboration could lead to higher breastfeeding initiation and duration rates, healthier babies, and closer families.

In his Breastfeeding Awareness Month Proclamation, Governor Snyder stated that Michigan is committed to reducing infant mortality and increasing the health of mothers and babies. Sustained breastfeeding support, education, and consistent, accurate information will help to meet these goals.

Activities are planned, throughout the state, to draw attention to the importance of breastfeeding for the health and well-being of mothers and children. The Michigan WIC Program and MDHHS invite the public to help us normalize breastfeeding by joining in the Breastfeeding Walk on Aug. 8. The festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. on the front lawn of the State Capitol. Families and young children are welcome.

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