Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Hotline – (660) 351-6393

What is a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor? A BFPC is someone who will offer mother to mother support and encourages moms to breastfeed which research shows is the optimal way to feed a baby. A BFPC will also educate pregnant and breastfeeding women about the benefits of breastfeeding and let them know what to expect so that moms can make an informed decision on whether they want to breastfeed or formula feed their baby.

Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics highly recommends breastfeeding infants for the first year of life.

Did You Know…

• Human milk is specially made to meet the nutrition needs of each and every human baby? Human milk even changes as baby’s needs change. Nutrients from breast milk are actually broken down before they are passed on to baby. Because of this, baby can digest and absorb milk more easily than formula.
• Lower risk of ear infections. Lower risk of respiratory infections. Lower risk of allergies. Lower risk of Sudden Infant death Syndrome. What do these things have in common? They are all benefits for breastfeeding infants. Breast milk even enhances an infant’s brain growth, development, and IQ.
• Breastfeeding offers benefits not only to babies, but to moms as well? Breastfeeding allows mom to create a special bond with the baby. Breastfeeding is also convenient; it’s always available, it’s at just the right temperature, and there’s no prep or clean-up required. Moms who breastfeed have a good chance of losing the weight gained during pregnancy.
• Think about breastfeeding as a natural resource. It is better for the environment because there are no leftovers. Breastfeeding doesn’t require mixing or preparing bottles. It also limits pollution that may occur from manufacturing, transporting and disposing of bottles, liners, nipples, and formula packaging. Remember that fewer natural resources are used for breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Education

Performed by our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor on a one on one basis. These sessions are available to both WIC participants and to the community. Call WIC at 660-890-6982 or 660-885-8193 to visit with our Peer Counselor.

Manual breast pumps are available at no charge to participants in the WIC Program.

Electric breast pump rentals are available to WIC participants for a $50.00 cash deposit. This deposit will be refunded in full upon return of the electric breast pump. If all pumps are in use your name will be placed on a waiting list for pump availability. Pumps could be recalled by WIC at any time for high needs participant from someone who is an occasional user if there is a shortage at Henry County Health Center WIC.