Beth McLellan (pictured far right) participates in the ceremonial signing of the breastfeeding antidiscrimination act on June 24.
Published: June 25, 2014
Sparrow Lactation Consultant Beth McLellan, R.N., IBCLC, participated in the ceremonial signing of SB 674 on Tuesday at the state capitol.
Governor Rick Snyder signed the law, which protects the right to breastfeed for new moms. McLellan was invited to the signing thanks to her involvement in the Michigan Breastfeeding Network.
"Promoting and supporting breastfeeding among new moms is so important to me, and it was thrilling to see the governor sign this bill into law," said McLellan. "Sparrow is committed to ensuring that new moms who intend to breastfeed are fully supported."
Breastfeeding has multiple health benefits for both infants and mothers. For infants, it decreases the incidence and severity of many infectious diseases, reduces infant mortality, and optimally supports neurodevelopment. It also decreases infants' risk of becoming obese later in childhood. For mothers, breastfeeding decreases the risks of breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.
Sparrow is a participant in Best Fed Beginnings, a national effort to significantly improve breastfeeding rates. The selected organizations are working together in a learning collaborative, using proven quality improvement methods to transform their maternity care services in pursuit of "Baby-Friendly" designation.