West Bloomfield Pediatric Practice Recognized for Supporting Breastfeeding Moms

Three Oakland County businesses have been recognized for providing friendly envrionments for breastfeeding mothers.

Those recognized by the Oakland County Breastfeeding Coalition, in collaboration with the Oakland County Health Division’s Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program, include:

• St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac (employer category)
• Mom and Baby Shop in Novi (business category)
• Pediatric Care Corner in West Bloomfield (pediatrician’s office category)

“Each winner was publicly nominated and rated, based on steps they took to provide a positive environment for breastfeeding mothers,” Kathy Forzley, Oakland County Health Division manager and health officer said in a statement. “These agencies are true leaders in their efforts to support healthy moms and babies.”

Examples of breastfeeding-friendly strategies in place at the top-rated organizations include written policies requiring a breastfeeding supportive environment and a room where clients and/or employees can privately and comfortably breastfeed or express breastmilk.

In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmed its recommendation that breastfeeding continue for at least the first 12 months of a baby’s life. Breastmilk helps keep babies healthy by:

• Supplying all the necessary nutrients that baby needs
• Protecting against diseases, infections, allergies, and obesity
• Being easily digested - protects against constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach

“Breastfeeding supportive environments encourage mothers to start breastfeeding their baby at birth and to continue breastfeeding for several months, including after returning to work,” said Jennifer Day, Oakland County Breastfeeding Coalition chairperson.

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.