July 31, 2025

This August, Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) is celebrating National Breastfeeding Month, with the theme “Forward Together.” This theme is centered on unity, solidarity, emphasizing the importance of coming together to support and uplift breastfeeding families in our communities.
Breastfeeding offers lasting benefits for families and communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these benefits include:

• Benefits for baby: Breastmilk is safe, clean, and contains antibodies that help protect against many childhood illnesses. Breastfed children do better on intelligence tests and have a decreased risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), leukemia, celiac disease, and more!
• Benefits for Parents: Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between parent and child. It also offers health benefits for individuals who breastfeed, including a lower risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure!
• Benefits for businesses: Businesses that support breastfeeding tend to have lower staff turnover, higher job satisfaction, and increased productivity among workers!
• Benefits for the community: Breastfed babies have lower chances of getting ill, which means fewer doctor visits, hospitalizations, and less demand for healthcare services

BEDHD Programs That Support Breastfeeding Families
As part of its ongoing commitment to maternal and child health, BEDHD offers services that help families meet their breastfeeding goals, including:

• Baby Café: A FREE informal place where moms and families can ask breastfeeding questions, meet other moms, and receive professional lactation care and instruction from an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)!
• WIC: WIC can offer free breast pumps and supplies, breastfeeding support from a Peer Counselor, and access to an IBCLC for qualified individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for an infant or child under 5 (including dads, grandparents, or foster parents with custody).

Learn more at: www.barryeatonhealth.org/breastfeeding/

Maternal and Child Wellness Events
In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, Barry-Eaton District Health Department is hosting Maternal and Child Wellness Events in both Barry and Eaton Counties. These family-friendly gatherings will bring together health care providers, community organizations, and local families for a morning of education, resources, and fun. Event Highlights:

• Free milk storage bags and breastfeeding pads (first 15 breastfeeding or pregnant moms)
• Safe Sleep Education with Free Pack N Play for eligible families
• Free raffle with items like Boppy pillows and nursing covers
• Nutrition and breastfeeding consultants onsite
• Community resources for maternal and child health
• Walking path featuring breastfeeding facts along the way
• Giveaways, snacks, and family-friendly activities

Barry County Event
In partnership with Corewell Health – Pennock
Date: Tuesday, August 5th
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Tyden Park
Address: 304 N Broadway St, Hastings, MI 49048

Eaton County Event
In partnership with U of M Health – Sparrow Eaton
Date: Wednesday, August 6th
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Bennett Park
Address: 1305 S Cochran Ave, Charlotte, MI 48813

These events are free and open to the public. Families, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to attend.
For more information on these events, visit facebook.com/barryeatonhealth  or contact Amanda Rousseau at arousseau@bedhd.org