Health Division Celebrates National Breastfeeding Month

Oakland County Health Division’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program in partnership with the Oakland County Breastfeeding Coalition (OCBFC) will spotlight personal narratives about breastfeeding throughout August in celebration of National Breastfeeding Month.
“Bridging the Breastfeeding Gap: Our Stories” features residents sharing stories to encourage breastfeeding. The stories will be featured beginning today at www.ocbreastfeeding.org. Story submissions will be accepted through August 31. Visit www.ocbreastfeeding.org to fill out a short survey to share your story.
“Highlighting the breastfeeding tales of our diverse community members shows different successes and challenges faced by parents,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer at Oakland County Health Division. “These experiences can bring comfort to breastfeeding mothers and help support them while breastfeeding.”
Breastfeeding benefits both mothers and babies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breastmilk saves lives, protects mothers against deadly diseases such as breast and ovarian cancers and leads to better educational outcomes for children. Breastmilk protects babies from illness and reduces the risk of asthma, allergies, obesity, ear infections, eczema, diarrhea, vomiting, type 2 diabetes, leukemia and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding is a convenient and more affordable option for families compared to formula feeding.
The Oakland County WIC program provides services for all WIC participants in Oakland County through September 30. Call 248-858-1272 with questions or to set up an appointment. For more information about WIC or to see if you qualify, visit www.oakgov.com/health/services/wic.