MDHHS releases 2021-24 Michigan Breastfeeding Plan
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and last updated 2021-02-12 09:23:44-05
LANSING, Mich. â The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released on Friday its Michigan Breastfeeding Plan, which is meant to advance the initiation and duration of breastfeeding in the state.
Officials also want to reduce disparities among racial and ethnic groups.
While about 87% of mothers in Michigan reported ever breastfeeding their baby, only 58% reported breastfeeding at three months, according to a news release.
âBreastfeeding is a public health priority for MDHHS and the state of Michigan,â said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. âWe are committed to closing the breastfeeding disparity gap, removing systemic barriers to breastfeeding and supporting all familiesâ ability to meet their breastfeeding goals.â
MDHHS
LANSING – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is inviting the public to comment on the Michigan Breastfeeding Plan.
The first ever Breastfeeding Plan was released in 2017. MDHHS remains committed to collaboration and wants to assure public feedback is received regarding the next iteration of the Michigan Breastfeeding Plan.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about six months, with continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for at least one year. According to 2018 Michigan Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data, 86.9% of mothers reported ever breastfeeding their infants (initiation), while only 58% reported breastfeeding their infants at three months (duration) of age. The importance of breastfeeding initiation and duration continues to be important health information that needs to be elevated.