The Saginaw Community Breastfeeding Coalition (SCBC) is awarding Covenant HealthCare with its first Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Award on August 2, 2024 at Bliss Park, at 11 a.m. during the group’s Breastfeeding Month Celebration.
The event celebrates breastfeeding families and the professionals who support them. There will be fun family activities under the pavilion, prizes, snacks, beverages, face painting, breastfeeding resources, and a breastfeeding walk.
Also receiving certificates in recognition of creating and maintaining breastfeeding-friendly workplace environments are Great Lakes Bay Health Centers at its Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy as well as Old Town and Janes Street locations, Delta College Downtown Saginaw, Saginaw County Health Department, and Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum among others.
Winners were nominated by employers, employees, visitors, and customers.
The award is designed to recognize Saginaw County businesses that support breastfeeding and play an important role in impacting better health outcomes for mothers and infants, lowering healthcare costs, and creating more satisfied and loyal employees.
The SCBC – a joint effort of both Saginaw County Health Department and Great Lakes Bay Health Centers WIC programs -- advocates for breastfeeding because it:
• Protects babies from infections and illnesses like diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia.
• Babies are less likely to develop asthma.
• Children who breastfeed for six months are less likely to become obese.
• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death (SIDS).
• Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
• Families can save between $1200-$1500 in the first year on infant formula alone.