Did you know that breastmilk gives your baby the best start? Breastfeeding provides many health benefits for both mothers and babies! At MCPHD, we are here to help you learn about breastfeeding and support you in every step of your breastfeeding journey.
Nutritional Advantages of Breastmilk
Breastmilk provides the most complete and optimal mix of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antibodies for the baby. It changes in composition to meet the baby’s nutrition and health needs over time. Infant formulas cannot provide the antibodies, growth factors, and enzymes that are found in breastmilk.
Health Benefits for Baby
Breastfeeding decreases infants’ risk of vomiting and diarrhea, ear infections, respiratory illnesses, childhood leukemia, childhood obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It also promotes a strong immune system, supports digestion, and promotes brain and nervous system development.
Health Benefits for Mom
Mothers who breastfeed are less likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes, ovarian cancer, as well as certain types of breast cancer.
Emotional Benefits
Breastfeeding promotes mother-baby bonding, which consequently helps baby to feel safe and comforted. The act of breastfeeding produces the hormone oxytocin in the mother, which can help her feel calm. Breastfeeding can also reduce stress, as breastmilk is always readily available and does not require mixing or bottles.
Cost Savings
Breastmilk is free, thus eliminating or reducing the cost of formula. Babies who receive breastmilk are sick less often than formula-fed infants, thus reducing healthcare costs for the family and reducing time-off from work for parents and caregivers.
Environmental and Societal Benefits
Breastfeeding reduces the cost of healthcare by promoting healthier moms and babies. It also reduces pollution and waste by decreasing the use of materials and energy required to produce, package, and distribute infant formulas.
Breastfeeding Support
Through the WIC program, MCPHD provides breastfeeding education and support for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Our peer counselor is available for phone, text, and in-person counseling and mom-to-mom support. Our certified lactation specialist is available to assist with more complex breastfeeding problems. We also offer a quarterly breastfeeding class for pregnant women and new moms as well.
Breast Pump Assistance
MCPHD works with Neb Medical to provide expectant and post-partum mothers with a hospital-grade, electric breast pump through their insurance. These breast pumps are fully covered by most health insurance providers. MCPHD staff are also available to educate mothers on how to use the pump and support them throughout their nursing and pumping journey.
Breastfeeding Resources
Office on Women’s Health: https://womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
WIC Breastfeeding: https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/
La Leche League: https://lllusa.org/
Macoupin County WIC: https://mcphd.net/wic-services/
For further information on breastfeeding or services we provide contact:
Colleen Cash, MPH, RDN, CLS
WIC Coordinator | Registered Dietitian | Certified Lactation Specialist
217-854-7272 or 217-930-2340
[email protected]
