A mother breastfeeds her child. | Courtesy of Shutterstock
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Kathy Adams | Mar 6, 2016

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to host forums that support breastfeeding mothers

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will host forums March 15 and April 19 to offer Michigan mothers education, support and resources about breastfeeding.

Employers, health care professionals, community organizations and the public are invited to discuss the benefits of breastfeeding and to share strategies. The goal of the forums is to use the feedback to create a new statewide breastfeeding plan.

Evidence shows that breastfeeding is healthy for mothers and infants. Nearly 75 percent of Michigan mothers report having breastfed infants, yet only 41 percent report breastfeeding exclusively when the child is three months old.

MDHHS wishes to support breastfeeding moms and encourages participation in the forums.

The March 15 will be held in Landsing and the April 19 forum will be held in Marquette. Paula Schreck, breastfeeding coordinator for St. Johns Providence Health System, is a keynote speaker for both events. Kiddada Green, founder and executive director of Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, is another keynote speaker for the Lansing event, and Raeanne Madison, coalition coordinator for the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, is a keynote speaker for the Marquette event.

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