Gabriela Fransisco and Monica Gibbs share the benefits and wise words about Breast Feeding with Francene Marie.

Breastfeeding is part of Mecklenburg County’s Public Health strategy, improving community outcomes for maternal and child health. Public Health is working to expand education efforts to communities by engaging businesses, faith based organizations, childcare facilities, local hospitals to normalize breast feeding and increase community support for breastfeeding families.

North Carolina’s infant mortality rate dipped by 1.4 percent in 2016 to 7.2 deaths per 1,000 births, compared with the 2015 rate of 7.3 infant deaths. The infant death rate has essentially plateaued, although this slight decrease is encouraging.

The state’s lowest infant rate was 7.0 in 2010. North Carolina’s infant mortality rate is the twelfth highest in the Country. The bottom line, breastfeeding saves lives. If 90% of families exclusively breastfed for 6 months, nearly 1,000 infant deaths could be prevented.

Content Experts – Gabriela Francisco and Monica Gibbs.