News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz Tammie Nemeth, Options Pregnancy Center executive director, is seen pointing to pamphlets that describe the breastfeeding support that the center offers.

ALPENA — State and local medical authorities recognize August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month.

To highlight the month, the District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) announced its Premier Award status in the Midwest region with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence.

According to a press release from DHD4, the health department program was awarded Gold Award status for several years, but this year the department was one of 15 Premier Awards awarded in the Midwest region. The department was also one of two programs awarded Premier status in Michigan.

According to DHD4, the program was established to recognize local WIC agencies that have “provided exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support.” In recognizing successful WIC agencies, the intent is to provide models that other local agencies can replicate to “strengthen their support activities and, ultimately, increase breastfeeding rates among WIC participants.”

“While we’ve always known our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor does excellent work, it’s nice to see them receive national attention for their commitment to Northeast Michigan’s mothers and babies,” Denise Bryan, DHD4 health officer, said in the release. “Well done!”

DHD4 offers a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, who is also a certified lactation specialist, according to the release. The DHD4 counselor offers one-on-one breastfeeding support in clinics, homes, over the phone, or via texting to meet the needs of DHD4 clients.

Becky Morgan, Options Pregnancy Center volunteer nurse, told The News that breastfeeding has long-term benefits for infants.

“Wellness begins with breast milk,” Morgan said. “As researchers continue to learn more about the long-term health implications of the gut microbiome, what better start for a newborn than priming their gut with nature’s best?”

Morgan also stated that breastfeeding provides emotional support for both a mother and their child, despite some initial challenges.

“Of course, the emotional connection for both mom and baby, as well as the cost savings, provide additional benefits,” Morgan said. “For some, breastfeeding can be challenging, especially in the early days. Finding local support is crucial for optimizing breastfeeding success. Each woman’s journey may look a little different based on her circumstances, and that’s okay. The best support meets you where you are.”

Governor Whitmer’s office released a statement announcing their observance of Breastfeeding Awareness month.

“Michigan is committed to encouraging a strong foundation for life by supporting breastfeeding as not only a lifestyle choice, but an essential public health priority,” the release stated.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan, explained that breastfeeding can protect babies against allergies, sickness, and disease.

“We recognize that not all parents are able to breastfeed, and in those cases we offer resources to ensure that the nutritional needs of infants are met, and that parents feel supported,” Bagdasarian said in the release. “Michigan is committed to helping breastfeeding parents reach their goals through community-based support including doulas, lactation consultants, and peer counselors.”

According to the release, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding up to age 2 and beyond.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.