On Monday, August 29, Mayor Lester Miller presented a proclamation to Atrium Health Navicent in honor of National Breastfeeding Month. You can read the full proclamation here.

 The aim of National Breastfeeding Month is to raise community awareness about benefits of breastfeeding and encourage support for breastfeeding mothers. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 80% of mothers in Georgia initiate breastfeeding, but only 30% continue to breastfeed for 12 months. Recent AAP studies have shown that babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop ear infections, stomach viruses, respiratory illnesses, eczema, diabetes, leukemia, and obesity. 

Inpatient and outpatient lactation support is available for mothers at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, including a virtual Breastfeeding Basics class.