DEPARTMENT: Public Health
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With Independent School District 196 For Infant Feeding Support Group
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, research shows that breastfeeding offers many health benefits for infants and mothers, as well as potential economic and environmental benefits for communities; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County Public Health identified a need for services around lactation and breastfeeding support to residents in Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, lactation support is limited in Dakota County, not only within the community, but also within the health care setting; and
WHEREAS, of the three hospitals that are located within Dakota County, Fairview Ridges Hospital had the largest percentage of births at 48 percent (data from 2018 births) and most hospitals offer outpatient lactation support, but transportation can be a barrier, especially considering that majority of births of Dakota County residents occur outside of the county according to the 2015 Dakota County Community Breastfeeding Assessment; and
WHEREAS, the assessment also identified many clinics refer lactation concerns to one central clinic, which typically was outside of Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, the first twelve weeks of an infant's life are a critical time for infant nutrition, especially breastfeeding; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County Public Health and Independent School District 196 (ISD 196) Early Childhood Family Education are partnering to provide a weekly infant feeding support group at the Dakota Valley Learning Center in Apple Valley; and
WHEREAS, the group facilitators include Family Home Visiting nurses, Women, Infants and Children lactation consultants, and an ISD 196 parent educator; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the group is to provide families an opportunity to have access to lactation support, information, and assistance from peers and lactation professionals on a consistent and regular basis at cri...
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