It’s known that breastfeeding can be extremely beneficial to a baby, but as it turns out, it’s extremely beneficial to the mom, as well, and in many ways.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is drawing to a close, but experts say it’s important to remain vigilant about breast cancer all year long.

If you’re a new mother or an expecting mom-to-be, you don’t need another news article telling you about all the benefits of breastfeeding and breastmilk.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released a breastfeeding plan to tackle disparities in initiation and duration among mothers. “We are committed to closing the breastfeeding disparity gap, removing systemic barriers to breastfeeding and supporting all family’s ability to meet their breastfeeding goals.”The Michigan Breastfeeding Plan divides strategies into three stages:AdBefore pregnancyDuring pregnancyAfter pregnancy/postpartum. The state has been working to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration and reduce disparities among racial and ethnic groups. While almost 87% of mothers in Michigan reported ever breastfeeding their baby (initiation), only 58% reported breastfeeding at three months (duration), according to state health officials. “Although most infants born in 2017 started breastfeeding (84.1%), only 58.3% of infants were breastfeeding at 6 months.

Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesAnother recently asked question is about the effects of the vaccine on women who are breastfeeding. No specific studies have been done to evaluate any possible effect that the vaccine would have on breastfeeding. With that noted there is no reason to think the vaccine would have any adverse effect on breastfeeding or the child. Another viewer asked, “Hank Aaron took the shot and died a couple days later, did that vaccine cause his death? The CDC is watching for any indication of unusual patterns of adverse effects after receiving the vaccine.

Past studies have shown that women who go through menopause before the age of 45 have an increased risk of early death, cognitive decline, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is inviting the public to comment on the Michigan Breastfeeding Plan. The first ever Breastfeeding Plan was released in 2017. MDHHS remains committed to collaboration and wants to assure public feedback is received regarding the next iteration of the Michigan Breastfeeding Plan. “We will continue to address disparities in breastfeeding so that all families have the resources and support they need.”The Michigan Breastfeeding Plan will be released in early 2021. When submitting comments, please list Michigan Breastfeeding Plan Feedback in the subject line.

If youre a new mother or an expecting mom-to-be, you likely dont need another news article telling you about all the benefits of breastfeeding and breastmilk. For something thats supposed to be this natural, built-in ability to feed our babies, nursing can present itself as a challenge -- anything but natural, at first. Remember, women arent the only ones who are new at this; babies need to learn how to effectively nurse, as well. La Leche League International : This is a nonprofit organization that organizes advocacy, education and training related to breastfeeding. Either way, all doulas are often great resources when it comes to referrals, suggestions and other baby-related help.