World Breastfeeding Week participants at the Marathon Public Library gather for a group photo on August 6, 2021. Pictured: Lauren and her daughter; Cate and her three sons; and Enny with her daughter, Camila and son Julian.

REDUCE THE RISK OF SIDS WITH SAFE SLEEP AND BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT SERVICES

(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. 

Safe sleep is another key priority for Monroe County’s babies.  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death, especially during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old.  According to research, the longer a baby is breastfed exclusively, the lower the risk of SIDS.

The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition continues to engage with families face-to-face while still offering virtual services. This flexibility allows the coalition to service the many geographically dispersed clients in a more convenient way and provide more individualized support and assistance for families in need. Free resources, including swaddle sacks are offered locally. The CDC and AAP recommend swaddle sacks as opposed to blankets to promote safe sleep for infants in order to reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating, and SIDS.  Swaddle sacks are soft, sleeveless zip-up bags that can be used to replace blankets, which can potentially trap babies.  

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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