 Photo credit: UMToday. MILC member Dr. Shen presents research findings (left), MILC Laboratory Manager Shayna Giesbrecht (right, back) and MILC Director Dr. Meghan Azad (right, front) analyze macronutrient composition of breast milk. MILC Director Dr. Meghan Azad and MILC member Dr. Garry Shen were featured in a recent UMToday article highlighting their role in helping to reinstate public funding for lactation consultants in Manitoba. The service, which was cut in 2018, has now been permanently restored following widespread advocacy supported by evidence-based research. Dr. Shen and UM colleagues demonstrated that eliminating publicly funded lactation consultant services was associated with lower breastfeeding rates and increased formula use, particularly in remote and First Nations communities. This research and advocacy contributed to a province-wide effort that led the Manitoba government to reverse its decision and secure funding for lactation consultant positions once again. The reinstatement will help support stronger starts for infants, mothers, and families across the province, aligning with MILC’s mission to advance maternal–child health research and impact.
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