Michigan Public Health Institute: Breastfeeding for Professionals Working with Families

Michigan Public Health Institute: Breastfeeding for Professionals Working with Families is organized by Central Michigan University (CMU).

Event Date: April 15, 2023
End Date: April 15, 2026

Course Description:
The option to breastfeed, chestfeed, or feed human milk should not be hindered by race, gender, ability or where a person lives, works, or gives birth. Ensuring people have access to breastfeeding requires social support from professionals working with families. This course is designed to provide professionals working with families with tools to build a culture of breastfeeding within the workplace and the families they serve. The course covers the root causes of disparities in breastfeeding rates, information to support consistent messaging about breastfeeding, policies and best practices for breastfeeding in everyday life, and how professionals can champion breastfeeding when communicating with families.

Objectives:

• Discuss breastfeeding rates and disparities and the systemic causes behind them.
• Identify the health benefits for both the lactating person and the infant receiving human milk and why breastfeeding is promoted.
• Explain how to promote breastfeeding and provide targeted support, using non-judgmental conversations
• Explain how to provide consistent positive messaging when communicating with families the importance of breastfeeding.
• List resources to support Michigan families.