Breastfeeding Friendly Erie County

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.