HDNW Highlights National Breastfeeding Month with Local Support and Resources
Helping families navigate their infant feeding journey with confidence
The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is recognizing National Breastfeeding Month by raising awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies and highlighting the breastfeeding support services available to nursing families in the community.
“Our breastfeeding team is proud to have earned Premier Award status from the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” says Melissa Hahn, HDNW’s Family Healthy Director. “This recognition reflects our commitment to supporting families to help reach their infant-feeding goals, whether it means breastfeeding for six weeks, six months, or anywhere in between.”
Through Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), our team provides individualized breastfeeding consultation and support in person, over the phone, and virtually. The team works with families to answer questions, address challenges and help parents to meet their infant-feeding goals.
Breastfeeding support services offered at HDNW
• Normal infant feeding patterns and what to expect
• Latch and positioning • Breastfeeding challenges
• Navigating the return to work or school
HDNW is committed to providing families with accurate information, compassionate support, and resources to help make informed decisions about infant feeding. Some benefits associated with breastfeeding include:
•Supports Connection and Bonding: Breastfeeding can provide opportunities for closeness and helps support the emotional bond between parents and baby.
•Supports Infant Health: Breastfeeding provides antibodies and other components that support an infant’s developing immune system and is associated with lower rates of asthma, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and many other chronic health issues.
•Supports Brain Health and Development: Research links breastfeeding with healthy brain development.
•Accessibility and Convenience: Breastfeeding parents can skip the extra cost and labor of buying, mixing, and storing formulas, breast milk is the ultimate portable meal and healthy nutrition, all in one.
HDNW recognizes that some families are unable to breastfeed or may choose not to breastfeed. All family’s circumstances are different, and there is no single feeding choice that is right for everyone. For these families, infant formulas are a safe, nutritious choice. HDNW’s WIC team can provide information and support to families as they navigate their infant-feeding choices.
To learn more about the breastfeeding support and WIC services available through HDNW call us locally at 800-432-4121 or visit our website at nwhealth.org.
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