Deadline Nears for Breastfeeding-Friendly Business Nominations

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The Oakland County Breastfeeding Coalition is seeking nominations for its Breastfeeding-Friendly Place Awards, offered 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 at 5 p.m. Friday, July 3.

“Businesses, employers, and pediatrician offices that accommodate breastfeeding mothers are helping to develop healthy children,” Kathy Forzley, Health Division manager/health officer, said in a news release. “A natural first food, breast milk contains all the nutrients that newborns and infants need.”

Breastmilk helps keep babies healthy by:

• It supplies all the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions.
• It protects against diseases, infections, allergies and obesity.
• It’s easily digested – no constipation, diarrhea or upset stomach.

Breastfeeding is also health for moms.

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,” Jennifer Day, chairwoman of the Oakland County Breastfeeding Coalition, said in the news release. “We are committed to honoring local places that go above and beyond to support breastfeeding mothers, babies and families in Oakland County.”

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 the the coalition’s website or follow the group on Facebook. More information is also available on the health division website or by calling Nurse on Call at (800) 848-5533.