Breastfeeding
MDHHS is committed to supporting breastfeeding families, increasing breastfeeding initiation and duration and closing the breastfeeding gap between black and white populations that remains persistent in Michigan. Though from 2010 - 2018 the White Black disparity in breastfeeding initiation has narrowed from 19% to 14.7%, MDHHS remains committed to closing this gap further. The root cause of breastfeeding disparities is systemic racism and by addressing systemic racism must remain at the core of our strategies.
MDHHS is pleased to announce a step toward improving breastfeeding rates in Michigan by releasing The Michigan Breastfeeding Plan: State Strategies To Advance Breastfeeding Practice 2021-2024. This plan highlights how breastfeeding is crucial at each of the perinatal phases and outlines strategies for partners to consider and MDHHS commitments.
The Michigan Breastfeeding Plan is guided by the vision of removing barriers, advancing equity, and promoting breastfeeding as essential for infant nutrition, social emotional health, and chronic disease prevention by ensuring all families have the opportunity to breastfeed for as long as they choose. The Breastfeeding Plan sets the common agenda necessary for a collaborative approach to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding in Michigan. The strategies of the Breastfeeding Plan contribute to Michigan's larger goals of ensuring that all families can attain health potential and align with the strategies of the Mother Infant Health & Equity Improvement Plan of Zero preventable deaths and Zero health disparities.
