Kellogg Foundation
http://www.wkkf.org/news-and-media#pp=10&p=1&f1=news

.
All Indian Health Service Birthing Hospitals Achieve Baby-Friendly Designation
Jan. 8, 2015
Three years ago, First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let’s Move! in Indian Country, with a bold vision to make every Indian Health Service (IHS) birthing hospital in the United States Baby-Friendly, meaning the hospital provides optimal support for breastfeeding. In December, IHS announced the realization of this goal, an accomplishment that will benefit more than 4,500 Native American mothers and their children each year.

“We congratulate Indian Health Service on this incredible achievement to ensure more Native American mothers and babies have the opportunity to breastfeed and experience breastfeeding’s benefits,” says Carla D. Thompson, vice president of program strategy at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “IHS has set a new standard of care for Indian Country, and will help reduce persistent inequities and improve the health and well-being of Native American mothers and children.”

Native American mothers have the second lowest breastfeeding rates in the nation, and Native American children face a serious health epidemic, with skyrocketing rates of obesity and diabetes. Breastfeeding can change this, as it decreases obesity and diabetes in children, and protects mothers from a myriad of diseases, like breast and ovarian cancers and hypertension…