FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 6, 2023

Contact:

Jennifer Lefelar, Public Information Officer

Florida Department of Health – Monroe County

305-434-5413

jennifer.lefelar@flhealth.gov

Breastfeeding and Safe Sleep Support Services Offered

(Monroe County, Fla.) — The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County want to reassure new and soon-to-be moms and their families in the Florida Keys that there is free support available for breastfeeding and safe sleep. 

Exclusive breastfeeding offers nutritional benefits for the baby and other key benefits for moms. In addition to providing ideal nutrition, six months of exclusive breastfeeding protects against common childhood illnesses and boosts the immune systems of both mother and baby. The World Health Organization and CDC recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. 

Free resources, including swaddle sacks are offered locally. The CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend swaddle sacks as opposed to blankets to promote safe sleep for infants in order to reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating, and sudden infant death syndrome. These and other outreach initiatives will be supplemented by existing Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition services and resources, including breastfeeding education and support provided by an Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, provision of baby beds and pack ‘n’ plays through the Keys to Kids Safety program, and close working partnerships with WIC, local hospitals, and medical providers. 

For free support, information, and safe sleep swaddle sacks, call the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition at (305) 293-8424. For additional support please call WIC at the Florida Department of Health at (305) 293-7500.

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Associated images:

Samantha Cockerham, Upper Keys Child Development Director with the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition with daughters Olivia and Ella (breastfeeding) at home.

Kara Rauch, Monroe County Mom, breastfeeds baby Ollie at Venice Beach.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.