35 Years Supporting Mothers & Babies: Learn About Our Partnership with Mothers' Milk Bank

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Jennifer Benito-Kowalski Mothers Milk Bank California CEO

Mothers' Milk Bank California: Giving Hope, One Ounce at a Time

Healthy Horizons has a long-standing relationship with the Mothers' Milk Bank California (formerly San Jose Milk Bank), dating back to 1990. Our founder, Sheila Janakos, MPH, IBCLC, LE, RLC was a dedicated milk donor, and Healthy Horizons served as a milk depot for over a decade, deeply committed to supporting families in need. This early experience ignited a passion and partnership dedicated to our community partners at the Mothers' Milk Bank. We're proud to continue our 35+ year partnership by hosting milk drives at our Breastfeeding Center in Burlingame, California and by welcoming the Milk Bank’s current Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Benito-Kowalski. Learn about Jennifer’s inspirational story below and her commitment to human milk banking within our community.

by Healthy Horizons on November 18, 2024
Navigating the Nuances: 6 Myths and Realities about the World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes

Navigating the Nuances: 6 Myths and Realities about the World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes

Healthy Horizons is proud to be WHO Code Compliant. We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in the marketing of our products and supporting breastfeeding as the optimal way to nourish infants.

The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (the Code), established by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a crucial framework for protecting and promoting breastfeeding. It aims to ensure that the marketing of breastmilk substitutes, feeding bottles, and teats does not undermine breastfeeding practices. However, there are several misconceptions surrounding compliance with the Code. Let's debunk six common myths!

by Healthy Horizons on September 24, 2024
Creating Your Ideal Birth Plan: Step-by-Step Guide & Free Templates

Creating Your Ideal Birth Plan: Step-by-Step Guide & Free Templates

What is a birth plan? It is an outline of how you envision your labor, delivery, and recovery, and a helpful guide to let your care team know what you desire. A birth plan can be a good way to help you organize your thoughts and feelings around labor and delivery, and helps you and your partner align before the big day comes. It may help to role-play different scenarios with your partner as you are planning. For example, what if the doctor recommends you have C-Section? How would you feel about this and what questions might you want to ask before making a decision? Do you intend to chest/breastfeed? Make sure your care team is aware and that you know where to get support. Talking through different scenarios ahead of time with your partner and care team while you are making your birth plan may help you to stay calm and confident during your labor.
by Healthy Horizons on August 08, 2024
Lactation Room Contest 2024

Lactation Room Contest 2024

Nominate your workplace for the Healthy Horizons 7th Annual Lactation Room Contest. A deserving organization will receive lactation equipment, furniture, services, and supplies from Healthy Horizons and our partners. This year there will be 3 prizes for workplaces and lactating parents with a combined value of $20,000!
by Healthy Horizons on August 01, 2024
Lactation Celebration: Your Guide to Events & Themes for National Breastfeeding Month 2024

Lactation Celebration: Your Guide to Events & Themes for National Breastfeeding Month 2024

Get ready to embrace the power of connection and uplifting one another as we celebrate National Breastfeeding Month – a two-month journey dedicated to honoring the incredible bond between parents and infants. From August to September, we'll delve into the rich history, diverse themes, and exciting events that make this observance a true celebration of lactation.
by Healthy Horizons on July 17, 2024
Welcome to Workplace Lactation Week 2024 - Theme: Policy to Practice: Making Lactation Support a Reality

Welcome to Workplace Lactation Week 2024 - Theme: Policy to Practice: Making Lactation Support a Reality

Welcome to Workplace Lactation Week, a dedicated week celebrated along with National Breastfeeding Month, with a special focus on the journey from legal requirements (policy) to creating a supportive environment (practice). This themed week serves as an invaluable resource for leaders, parents, and businesses, providing essential information, resources, and best practices to promote a lactation-friendly work environment. Observed annually from September 1st to September 7th.
by Healthy Horizons on June 27, 2024
Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Labor and Delivery

Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Labor and Delivery

Important items to pack in your hospital bag for birth, baby and immediate postpartum. Don't stress about packing for labor and delivery! Our comprehensive hospital bag checklist covers everything you'll need for mom, baby, and your birth partner. Get the essentials and optional comfort items for a smooth and positive.
by Healthy Horizons on April 30, 2024
What Employers Need to Know: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)

What Employers Need to Know: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is a federal law that requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions.

The law was passed in December 2022, and went into effect on June 27, 2023. It was modeled after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which has been in place for over 30 years. What makes the PWFA different? It specifically focuses on pregnancy related accommodations!

by Healthy Horizons on August 16, 2023
Welcome to Workplace Lactation Week 2023 - Theme: Preparing for the PUMP Act!

Welcome to Workplace Lactation Week 2023 - Theme: Preparing for the PUMP Act!

Welcome to Workplace Lactation Week, a dedicated week celebrated in conjunction with National Breastfeeding Month, with a special focus on working and pumping. The 2023 theme is "Preparing for the PUMP Act." This themed week serves as an invaluable resource for leaders, parents, and businesses, providing essential information, resources, and best practices to promote a lactation-friendly work environment.
by Healthy Horizons on August 08, 2023
What is National Breastfeeding Month? The History, 2023 Themes, and Events

What is National Breastfeeding Month? The History, 2023 Themes, and Events

National Breastfeeding Month is celebrated in August every year, and is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance and benefits of chest/breastfeeding for both infants and parents. Organizations in the lactation space provide families with support, resources, and information, encouraging them to make informed choices, and overcome barriers they may experience. 

by Healthy Horizons on July 16, 2023
Healthy Horizons Lactation Room Contest

Lactation Room Contest 2023

The 2023 Lactation Room Contest is closed.  Do you know...
by Healthy Horizons on July 16, 2023
Chestfeeding: An Inclusive Approach to Infant Feeding

Chestfeeding: An Inclusive Approach to Infant Feeding

For many people, the act of feeding a newborn baby from the chest or breast is a natural and intimate experience that strengthens the bond between parent and child. However, not all individuals who breastfeed identify as women. For those who may identify as non-binary, transgender, or gender-nonconforming, the language and cultural norms surrounding breastfeeding can feel exclusive and alienating.
by Healthy Horizons on June 27, 2023
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Lactation Resources Page

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Lactation Resources Page

Resources for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Chest/Breastfeeding  While...
by Healthy Horizons on June 21, 2023
Contribute to a Cleaner Climate with Comprehensive Corporate Lactation Programs

Contribute to a Cleaner Climate with Comprehensive Corporate Lactation Programs

Many realize the health benefits of human milk for babies, but did you know that supporting lactation also contributes to a cleaner environment? Healthy Horizons Breastfeeding Centers and Corporate Lactation Services is creating a healthier world for all, with 2.5 million ounces of breast milk pumped in Healthy Horizons managed Lactation Rooms through April 2023 in workplaces across North America, offsetting a massive amount of carbon emissions.
by Healthy Horizons on June 14, 2023
Understanding Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

Understanding Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

The birth of a child is often considered a joyous and fulfilling experience. However, for many women, the postpartum period can be accompanied by unexpected emotional challenges. Postpartum depression and anxiety are two common conditions that can significantly impact a new mother's well-being and ability to care for her child. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for postpartum depression and anxiety, shedding light on this important but often overlooked aspect of motherhood.

by Healthy Horizons on May 24, 2023
Empowering Parents: The Inspiring Story Behind our Workplace Lactation and Chest/Breastfeeding Business

Empowering Parents: The Inspiring Story Behind our Workplace Lactation and Chest/Breastfeeding Business

Not all who embark on a journey to chest/breastfeed their infants are successful. In fact, Sheila Janakos, founder and CEO of Healthy Horizons, met resistance from the very start, but overcame challenges and is now affectionately known as the “Milk Fairy Godmother”, helping countless others on their lactation journey.
by Healthy Horizons on May 18, 2023
8 Tips for Capturing Beautiful and Memorable Baby Photos

8 Tips for Capturing Beautiful and Memorable Baby Photos

Taking photos of your baby can be a fun and...
by Healthy Horizons on April 27, 2023

From Clay Pots to Wearable Pumps: A Brief History of Breast Pumping

Breastfeeding is a natural process that has been practiced for...
by Healthy Horizons on March 30, 2023
Layoffs and Lactation: Why Supporting New Mothers is Good for Business

Layoffs and Lactation: Why Supporting New Mothers is Good for Business

Layoffs are a reality for many industries, and unfortunately, they...
by Healthy Horizons on March 30, 2023

GET A BOOST! LEARN MORE ABOUT BREASTFEEDING HERBS

Popular Herbs for Increasing Milk Supply We have many parents...
by Healthy Horizons on February 27, 2023
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