Memorandum
Date: August 5, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Lake County Board of Supervisors
Subject: Presentation of Proclamation Designating the Month of August 2025 as Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Lake County; and b) Consideration of Presentation by Mother-Wise
Executive Summary:
WHEREAS, breastfeeding is recognized as the optimal way to feed infants, and it is recommended that individuals breastfeed exclusively for six months and continue breastfeeding for at least the first two (2) years of a child’s life; and
WHEREAS, the journey of breastfeeding looks different for every individual, and that practice should be supported without judgment; and
WHEREAS, breast milk is the preferred source of nutrition for infants, adapting over time to meet the changing needs of the growing infant; and
WHEREAS, breastfeeding is a proven primary prevention strategy, protecting both infants and breastfeeding individuals from a host of chronic and acute diseases and conditions and building a foundation for life-long health and wellness; and
WHEREAS, breastfeeding provides a safe, reliable, and renewable food source, especially critical during natural disaster and emergency situations; and
WHEREAS, the act of breastfeeding builds a strong emotional connection between the breastfeeding individual and infant, a bond which lasts a lifetime; and
WHEREAS, partners who are active during the breastfeeding experience provide supports that lead to better outcomes for both the infant and the breastfeeding individual; and
WHEREAS, employers that provide workplace lactation support experience an impressive return on investment, including lower health care costs, reduced absenteeism, reduced turnover rates, and improved morale, job satisfaction, and productivity; and
WHEREAS, individuals who are successful at meeting their breastfeeding goals are more likely to be surrounded by a supportive team of family, friends, coworkers, employers, healthcare providers, childcare providers, and other members of the community; and
WHEREAS, communities which create such positive and supportive environments reap the benefits of healthier infants and parents, a more productive workforce, improved household finances, and empowered families; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Breastfeeding Coalition, comprised of First 5 Lake, Mother Wise, Partnership HealthPlan, Social Services, and other local agencies and community members, whose efforts support families who choose to breastfeed; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the [Lake County Board of Supervisors] does hereby designate the month of August 2025, as Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and urges all citizens to work together to empower parents and enable breastfeeding, now and for the future.
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Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
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☐ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
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Recommended Action: Presentation Only.