“Breastfeeding Welcomed Here” is an Alaska Breastfeeding Coalition initiative to raise public awareness and support for breastfeeding mothers. Not only is it important to be compliant with Alaska state law as a partner of ABC, FHP welcomes breastfeeding mothers on our campuses and we are dedicated to creating an environment of support.

Breastfeeding is the natural biological conclusion to pregnancy and a vital element in the development of the infant. It is the best source of nutrition for most infants, and provides incomparable health benefits for babies and mothers.

Scientific evidence  concludes that mothers and babies who breastfeed experience better health and lower risks for certain diseases. This research shows that breastfeeding reduces an infant’s risk of asthma, obesity, type 2 diabetes, ear and respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting). For mothers, breastfeeding can help lower the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.

At FHP, we support a mother’s right to publicly breastfeed. On our campuses, she will not be asked to move to the restroom or to cover up. Such requests implies that the mother and baby are engaging in a shameful or distasteful act when they are simply feeding. It is not reasonable to expect others to eat in a bathroom.

At FHP, we understand the breastfeeding relationship is complex and can be disrupted by bottle-feeding. Babies eat on an irregular schedule and need to feed-on-demand to grow well.