August is National Breastfeeding Month

August is National Breastfeeding Month and the goal is to promote breastfeeding and support and protect the rights of breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding is the preferred and best way to feed a baby, as it protects not only baby but breastfeeding mothers from many chronic and acute diseases and illnesses. Breastfeeding also builds a foundation for life-long health and wellness for a baby. Additionally, breastmilk adapts to meet the changing needs of a growing baby and builds a strong emotional connection between mother and child, which lasts a lifetime.

Considering how important breastfeeding is to both mother and baby, it is critical that the breastfeeding mother is supported by her family, the community and her workplace. The more support she receives, the easier her breastfeeding journey will be and she will be able to reach her breastfeeding goal.

It has been proven that employers that provide workplace lactation support experience the following from their breastfeeding employees: lower health care cost, less missed day from work, job satisfaction and productivity and overall improved workplace morale.

The Daviess County Health Department’s Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program continues to promote and support breastfeeding mothers by offering free and rental breast pumps, breastfeeding information (including an informational DVD library), a lactation room and 24-hour breastfeeding support offered by our Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, Angela Wayne and Jessica Nelson.  Breastfeeding support and counseling is also provided free of charge to any Daviess county resident, whether they participate in the WIC program or not.

Call the Daviess County Health Department at 660-663-2414 if you have any questions about the breastfeeding support services that are offered or need breastfeeding assistance.