Breastfeeding Information

Our goal is to provide quality countywide public health services. Public health is prevention for a better life, promotion for your health, and protection for you, your family, and your community.

Overview

When selecting a health care provider, be sure to ask about their practices related to breastfeeding. This will help you determine their knowledge about breastfeeding and the level of support you will receive. You will benefit from the support of a knowledgeable obstetrician, pediatrician, family practitioner, midwife, physician office staff, neonatal nurse, nurse practitioner, nutritionist, childbirth instructor, and home visiting nurse. All of these health professionals should be knowledgeable and supportive about breastfeeding.

There is extensive support available locally at your health department and on the web. Review the information in the referral section below.

Your Breast Milk is:

• Safe
  • Breast milk contains protective factors that help prevent and fight infections, such as diarrhea and pneumonia
  • Breast milk helps reduce the risk of allergic conditions, particularly asthma
• Sound
  • The nutrients in breast milk are present in
  • the right quantity and the right quality
  • Formula and other foods contain nutrients in different amounts, and are very different in quality
• Sustainable
  • As long as you and your baby are together food is available
  • You can make good milk from whatever foods you eat

Breastfeeding

Creates healthy mothers and healthy babies. Be sure to discover which friends, family members and health care providers will support your desire to breastfeed.

• Your milk is the safest and soundest for your baby
• Starting to breastfeed right after delivery helps stimulate milk production
• Make sure your baby is properly attached
• Let your baby breastfeed often, when ever he or she is hungry, both day and night
• Let your baby breastfeed for as long as he or she needs at each feeding
• Learn the signs that tell you when your baby is hungry — crying is a late sign of hunger and some babies will go to sleep if they are not fed, resulting in a missed meal and eventually a decrease in your milk supply
• Learn how to tell when your baby is full — most babies will take additional fluid from a bottle if it is offered after breastfeeding. This does not mean the baby did not get enough to eat and can lead to overeating and later obesity
• Ask for help when you have questions or concerns

Mothers who breastfeed have:

• Reduced risk of anemia
• Increased bone density after weaning which may decrease her risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis
• Uterine contractions which will decrease the risk of postpartum hemorrhage
• Lower rate of postmenopausal breast cancer
• Lower rate of ovarian cancer
• Lower rate of uterine cancer More optimal child-spacing interval
• Quicker recovery from childbirth
• Reduced stress

Babies who are breastfed have a lower chance of experiencing:

• Ear infections
• Respiratory infections
• Intestinal infections
• Sudden infant death syndrome
• Juvenile diabetes mellitus
• Childhood cancers
• Eczema
• Tooth decay
• Obesity
• Hospitalization

Public Health Lactation Consultant

An experienced member of our staff is available by appointment to:

• Guide you through the process of getting started breastfeeding through to weaning
• Answer questions about breastfeeding
• Work with you to solve problems with breastfeeding
• Weigh your baby to assess growth

Referrals

Please remember the WIC staff are available to talk with you about breastfeeding problems or concerns. Call us to arrange an appointment at the office numbers listed below.