The Oakland County Breastfeeding Coalition announced that it is seeking nominations for its Breastfeeding-Friendly Place Awards in collaboration with the Oakland County Health Division Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Awards will honor Oakland County pediatrician offices, employers, and businesses that are taking extra steps to support breastfeeding mothers.
Complete an online nomination form at www.OakGov.com/health. Award nomination entries are due Friday, July 3, 2015 at 5 p.m.
“Businesses, employers, and pediatrician offices that accommodate breastfeeding mothers are helping to develop healthy children,” said Kathy Forzley, Health Division manager/health officer. “A natural first food, breast milk contains all the nutrients that newborns and infants need.”
Breastmilk helps keep babies healthy by:
- Supplying all the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions
- Protecting against diseases, infections, allergies, and obesity
- Being easily digested – no constipation, diarrhea or upset stomach
Mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes and certain cancers such as breast cancer, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. They may find it easier to return to their pre-pregnancy weight. Plus, breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child. Mothers who are able to pump while at work and continue to breastfeed their infants miss fewer days of work on average than those who are formula feeding.
The coalition will announce award winners during the first week of Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August.
“We’re pleased that nursing in public is now legally protected in Michigan,” said Jennifer Day, chairperson of the Oakland County Breastfeeding Coalition. “We are committed to honoring local places that go above and beyond to support breastfeeding mothers, babies, and families in Oakland County.”
About the Oakland County Breastfeeding Coalition
The Oakland County Breastfeeding Coalition provides breastfeeding support, networking opportunities, partnership building, advocacy and program development among community members and professionals. Partners of the coalition include Oakland County Health Division, St. John Providence Hospital-Southfield, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, Michigan Breastfeeding Network (MIBN), and Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency. For more information about the coalition, please visit www.OaklandCountyBFingCoalition.weebly.com or on Facebook.
For more information, visit www.OakGov.com/health or call Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533.
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