Whereas, Breast milk is an ideal food for infants, providing them with the perfect balance of nutrition for their stage of development in a manner that is the most easily digestible for them; and,

Whereas, Breastfeeding provides health benefits for the child from infancy throughout the rest of their lives, from aiding brain development to helping defend against diabetes, and also is beneficial to the health of the mother by lowering the risk of certain reproductive cancers; and,

Whereas, Breastfeeding furnishes infants with necessary antibodies to help prevent infections, resulting in fewer illnesses for the babies, fewer sick days for their parents, a more productive workforce, and lower healthcare costs; and,

Whereas, Designating August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month provides an opportunity for government to join forces with families, health care professionals, and hospitals to help promote and maintain communities where breastfeeding is encouraged, protected, and supported to advance the health of current and future Michigan residents; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim August 2006, as Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Michigan.