Red Lake Indian Health Services receives breastfeeding award

Red Lake Indian Health Services recently received a Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department Award from the Minnesota Department of Health for its contributions to the health of mothers and their babies. The designation acknowledges the hospital's commitment to acting as a model for the community by supporting healthy families and receiving the business benefits of supporting nursing mothers, a release said. Red Lake Indian Health Services Hospital was recognized at the bronze level.

"Native women have always breastfed, but the tradition was not immune to the effects of colonization," said Dr. Kari Josefson, doctorate nurse practitioner for Red Lake Indian Health Services. "We are proud to have created an environment that supports the tradition of breastfeeding again."

Awards are designated at gold, silver and bronze levels, which correspond to the number of steps an organization met in a 10-step process.

To learn more about the application process for the Breastfeeding Friendly recognition program, or to view other Breastfeeding Friendly organizations within Minnesota, visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/breastfeedingfriendly. Or contact the Bemidji Breastfeeding Coalition through Sheila Johnson at Beltrami County WIC, (218) 333-8298.