LANSING – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released the Michigan Breastfeeding Plan: State Strategies to Advance Breastfeeding Practice 2021-2024.

In 2017, Michigan released its first state breastfeeding plan centered around increasing breastfeeding initiation and duration and reducing 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).

“Breastfeeding is a public health priority for MDHHS and the state of Michigan. Disparities in initiation and duration for white and black mothers exist and are a focus of the plan,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for. “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: before pregnancy; during pregnancy; and after pregnancy/postpartum. The plan provides information on how community partners and MDHHS can contribute to the success of the plan.

MDHHS would like to thank the community partners who provided input into the plan through a statewide survey and extensive public comment period. MDHHS is looking forward to collaborating with statewide partners to implement the plan and support Michigan’s families.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Breastfeeding.