ECDOH Breastfeeding Program Overview
New mothers are faced with many decisions. Deciding how to feed their child is one that requires support. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both the mother and child. Breastfeeding mothers and their children have a reduced risk of illness, chronic diseases and certain cancers.
Promoting breastfeeding is a high priority strategy adopted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to improve maternal and child health. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. At 6 months, mothers are encouraged to introduce solid foods and continue to breastfeed until the baby is at least 12 months.
In Erie County our goal is to work with hospitals, doctor’s offices, worksites and community organizations to support nursing mothers.
Breastfeeding Friendly Initiatives
Baby Cafes
Baby Cafés are free, drop-in, informal breastfeeding support groups offering ongoing professional lactation care and intervention.
Durham's Maternal Stress-Free Zone; (716) 906-9388 or 1stmsfz@gmail.com
Breastfeeding Friendly Worksites
In order for a workplace to be designated as a "Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace" by the ECDOH, the worksite must meet the minimum requirements. The ECDOH provides technical assistance to worksites to help them obtain the designation of a breastfeeding friendly workplace. For more information, please call 716-858-2152.
Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite Designation
List of workplaces that have been designated as Breastfeeding Friendly
Resources
- Breast Milk Expression in the Workplace: Your Rights, FAQs and Resources
- Breastfeeding Reports and Publications
- Breastfeeding Promotion, Protection, and Support
- Breastfeeding Information for Health Care Providers
- WIC Breastfeeding Information for Health Care Providers
- Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care
- How to get your family on board with breastfeeding
- Maternal Health Programs and Activities
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau
- Maternal and Child Health Objectives
- Maternal, Newborn, and Child Survival
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Maternal, Newborn, & Child Health
- IMPROVE Initiative to reduce pregnancy-related deaths
- Awareness campaign for Breastfeeding
- YoMingo: Anytime, anywhere parent education - it's the tool you need if you're a parent-to-be!
Contact
Office of Health Equity
95 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-2152
Email: healthequity@erie.gov