Why Should I Breastfeed?
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.
CCHD Breastfeeding Support & Education on FacebookDedicated to providing reliable evidence based breastfeeding information, local events, giveaways, information on upcoming breastfeeding classes & much more!
Human Milk Saves Lives
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Meet Our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Amy Howell, CLS
Certified Lactation Specialist Breastfeeding Peer Counselor 24/7 Cell: 618-562-6663 email: [email protected] Support Group
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. Children are welcome, light refreshments will be served.
Breastfeeding Classes
Crawford County Health Department offers FREE prenatal Breastfeeding classes several times a year.
To register please contact: Amy Howell 618-562-6663 [email protected] |
Award Winning Support
Crawford County Health Department’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program received a Gold Breastfeeding Award of Excellence on August 1, 2023 from the Midwest Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Nineteen awards were handed out across the Midwest region; Crawford County was one of only four agencies in Illinois to receive the award.
“USDA established the award program to recognize local WIC agencies that have provided exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support to WIC moms,” said Dr. Vista Suarez Fletcher FNS Midwest Regional Administrator. "The intent is to provide models to help other WIC clinics strengthen their breastfeeding programs to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates nationwide.”
WIC serves to safeguard the health of pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care. WIC serves about half of all babies born in the country and is uniquely positioned to help moms successfully breastfeed.
“Breastfeeding is best for babies and mothers. The WIC team at Crawford County Health Department works hard to provide education and support services to our WIC participants who are pregnant or have just become new mothers. We take pride in being a member of the community that promotes and supports breastfeeding.” Melissa Williams, RN, WIC Coordinator, Crawford County Health Department.
“Supporting breastfeeding women is my passion, I've really poured my heart into growing the best breastfeeding program possible. I am so honored that the CCHD WIC team has received this prestigious award, but even more rewarding is the feeling of knowing you are making a difference for a new mom and baby, there's nothing quite like it!” Amy Howell, CLS, WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Crawford County Health Department.
Crawford County Health Department supports and encourages breastfeeding women in many ways including:
Crawford County Health Department’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program received a Gold Breastfeeding Award of Excellence on August 1, 2023 from the Midwest Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Nineteen awards were handed out across the Midwest region; Crawford County was one of only four agencies in Illinois to receive the award.
“USDA established the award program to recognize local WIC agencies that have provided exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support to WIC moms,” said Dr. Vista Suarez Fletcher FNS Midwest Regional Administrator. "The intent is to provide models to help other WIC clinics strengthen their breastfeeding programs to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates nationwide.”
WIC serves to safeguard the health of pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care. WIC serves about half of all babies born in the country and is uniquely positioned to help moms successfully breastfeed.
“Breastfeeding is best for babies and mothers. The WIC team at Crawford County Health Department works hard to provide education and support services to our WIC participants who are pregnant or have just become new mothers. We take pride in being a member of the community that promotes and supports breastfeeding.” Melissa Williams, RN, WIC Coordinator, Crawford County Health Department.
“Supporting breastfeeding women is my passion, I've really poured my heart into growing the best breastfeeding program possible. I am so honored that the CCHD WIC team has received this prestigious award, but even more rewarding is the feeling of knowing you are making a difference for a new mom and baby, there's nothing quite like it!” Amy Howell, CLS, WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Crawford County Health Department.
Crawford County Health Department supports and encourages breastfeeding women in many ways including:
- Offering WIC participants personalized breastfeeding support and ongoing assistance 24/7 by phone or text, including evenings, weekends and holidays
- Offering breastfeeding consults in the office, home, & hospital settings
- Providing information & promoting breastfeeding through our dedicated Facebook page CCHD Breastfeeding Support & Education
- Collaborating with community partners to better serve our clients
- Requiring all WIC staff to complete basic Breastfeeding Curriculum Training
- Providing monthly breastfeeding support groups & free prenatal breastfeeding classes
- Recognizing & celebrating women’s breastfeeding successes and promoting breastfeeding with community events such as our annual World Breastfeeding Week celebration and our “Breastfeeding Wall of Fame”
