Why Should I Breastfeed?

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​Breastfeeding provides the ideal nutrition for an infant. The protein, fat, mineral, vitamin, and calorie content is superior to any store-bought synthetic formula. In addition, studies have shown that breast-fed babies have better brain development than those fed by formula, partly because of the superior nutrition from the breast milk.

Breastfeeding provides natural immunities. Babies who are breastfed have fewer illnesses and hospitalizations than those who are bottle-fed. Many diseases children come in contact with during the first six months of life can't be immunized against. However, breast milk has a natural quality that provides protection.

Breastfeeding protects against common allergies. Many babies are allergic to common food products, such a cow's milk and soy, as well as environmental allergens.

Breast milk is easier to digest than formula. Breastfed babies have less constipation, less diarrhea, and fewer irritations of the stomach.

Breastfeeding provides health benefits for the mother. It promotes faster weight loss after birth, stimulates the uterus to contract and return to its normal size, reduces postpartum bleeding, and provides an environment in which there are less urinary tract infections and less chance of anemia.

WIC Moms and Breastfeeding

The WIC Program encourages breastfeeding as the preferred method of feeding children. In addition, the following should be considered:
WIC is a supplemental program and will not cover the cost of all of your formula. You will have some costs of your own. Breastfeeding, however, is a supply that will not run out. Free personalized breastfeeding support is available through Crawford County Health Department's WIC-sponsored peer counselor program.

Peer Counseling Program

Personal breastfeeding support is available at no cost through Crawford County Health Department's WIC-sponsored peer counselor program. If you are in need of breastfeeding support please contact our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Amy Howell at 618-562-6663 or ahowell@cchd.net.

CCHD Breastfeeding Support & Education on Facebook

Dedicated to providing reliable evidence based breastfeeding information, local events, giveaways, information on upcoming breastfeeding classes & much more!

Human Milk Saves Lives

​Crawford County Health Department is a Milk Depo with The Milk Bank of Indianapolis. 

Breast milk donations accepted here are used to help sick and premature infants across the country! 

If you are interested in becoming a milk donor please visit www.themilkbank.org or contact Amy Howell @ 618-562-6663 for more info.                    

Meet Our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

my Howell, CLS
​Certified Lactation Specialist
Breastfeeding Peer Counselor 
24/7 Cell: 618-562-6663
​email: ahowell@cchd.net

Support Groups

The Milky Way is an opportunity for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to come together to visit, share, learn, bond and most importantly support one another through the journey of breastfeeding. Our first meeting will be Thursday, May 18th from 1-2pm. Children are welcome, light refreshments will be served. 

Breastfeeding Classes

Crawford County Health Department offers FREE prenatal Breastfeeding classes several times a year. 
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To register please contact:
Amy Howell
618-562-6663
ahowell@cchd.net