First 5 Fresno County

Breastfeeding is not a lifestyle choice, it’s a serious public health issue. Our efforts are to encourage mothers to breastfeed their newborns for at least the first six months of life and to make our community a BFF (breastfeeding friendly) place.

Did you know breastfeeding helps prevent serious illnesses like childhood obesity and asthma? Still, in 2009 Fresno County was ranked 38th in the state for exclusive breastfeeding rates. Experts agree, when a mother’s home, workplace, and community environments all value and support her decision to breastfeed, she is more likely to stay and continue with it.

The BFF Community Initiative
 

Have you seen this? If you haven’t, we hope you will soon!

 

Imagine a community where stores and offices showed their support of breastfeeding. Some are already doing this by displaying the BFF logo in their public space areas.

 

The BFF logo signifies the agency is aware and supportive of the law that protects a women’s right to breastfeed in public (Civil Code section 43.3).

 

You can become a BFF Community Partner! 

See the list of BFF Community Partners and a map of their locations.

BFF Community Initiative on ABC 30

 

First 5 Fresno County provides the BFF (breastfeeding friendly) Express -- a customized trailer supporting moms with a comfortable space to breastfeed. The BFF Express is also here to encourage new and future moms to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding and elicit community dialogue on the importance of making Fresno County a BFF place.

  

 

 

 

 

 

Video:  Check out the BFF Express in Action!

Frequently Asked Questions about the BFF Express
Request the BFF Express for your event 
BFF Dad Survey

 

Breastfeeding: The Perfect Choice for Mom, Baby and the entire Community!

Best for Baby:

• Breast milk has antibodies that help protect infants illness and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Linked to a lower risk of ear infections, stomach viruses, diarrhea, respiratory infections, asthma, obesity, and childhood leukemia
• Colostrum, the thick yellow first breast milk that mothers make is known as “liquid gold” rich in nutrients
• Premature babies do better when breastfed compared to premature babies who are fed formula

Great for Mom:

• Breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and postpartum depression
• When mothers breastfeed, there are no bottles and nipples to sterilize
• Breastfeeding can save between $1,160 and $3,915 per year, depending on the brand of formula
• Physical contact is important to newborns and can help them feel more secure, warm, and comforted

Ideal for Community:

• Less health care costs. Infants typically need fewer sick care visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations
• More productive workforce with moms missing less work as their infants are sick less often
• Employer medical costs are lower and employee productivity is higher
• Environmentally-friendly -there is less trash and plastic waste – no formula cans, bottle or nipple supplies