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Metro Health Looking At Breastfeeding Center To Help Give Babies A Healthy Start

City of San Antonio

The San Antonio Baby Café, a new drop-in breastfeeding center for moms, is set to open in the Fall pending approval of the center’s lease that could happen next week. It is all part of the Metropolitan Health District's goal to make San Antonio a healthier city.

"We're real excited about it and there's a huge demand," said Metro Health Director Dr. Thomas Schlenker about the new center. "There's so many women who care about this but can't find the resources they need."

Schlenker said the city council approved the project in the spring, and a Northeast Side location is currently being negotiated. The center is part of six health department strategies for the overall health of the community, one that could help target obesity.

"Might be surprising to some people but obviously good nutrition begins at birth," said Schlenker.

Schlenker said he hopes the center will help newborns get off to a good start, while he still worries there is a long way to go for a healthier San Antonio.

"In general, we don't compare favorably to other cities on just about any health measure you pick and it's unfortunate because this is a great place to live and it's a beautiful community, but in terms of health, in terms of education, and certainly in some aspects to of culture, we just need to improve," he said.

Ryan Loyd was Texas Public Radio's city beat and political reporter. He left the organization in December, 2014.