Florida Healthy Babies

The Florida Healthy Babies Initiative engages Florida’s 67 county health departments as well as other public and private sector partners to identify, evaluate, prioritize, and address health improvement efforts that improve Florida's infant mortality rate.

In Monroe County, current efforts are focused on increasing outreach, breastfeeding initiation, and prenatal screenings.

For more information, contact the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition at 305-293-8424 or DOHMonroe@FLhealth.gov.

Breastfeeding

Exclusively breasftfeeding (breastmilk only and no formula) for the first six months of life has amazing benefits. Breastmilk alone is best for optimal growth. When mom needs to go back to work/school, continuing to breastfeed is doable, both WIC and Healthy Start have pumps for mothers to borrow along with lots of support. 

Lower Keys Medical Center also has international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC).  Anyone who gives birth at the Lower Keys Medical Center has access to a lactation consultant at no cost for 14 days following birth.

Resources

Referrals - Primary referrals are made from the prenatal and infant screenings conducted by obstetricians at a pregnant woman’s first medical appointment or at the hospital as part of the birth registration process following birth. Individuals may self-refer at any time by calling 305-676-3841.

Healthy Start- This free program offers education, care coordination, and other resources for pregnant women and babies under the age of three. The program works to lower risk factors associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, infant mortality, and poor developmental outcomes. You can also visit Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition for additional assistance.

Florida's Women, Infants, and Children Program - WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program that offers nutrition assessments, counseling, and breastfeeding support.

Women's Health - Learn more about additional services are available from the Florida Department of Health.