Webster County Health Unit Protecting and promoting the health and safety of citizens in Webster County

Since 1957

Home Community Services Women's Health WIC Program Diseases Nursing Services Environmental Vital Records About Us			Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is best for you and your baby. Breast milk contains antibodies which protect your infant against certain viruses including tetanus, pneumonia, whooping cough, diphtheria and polio. This is very important since your newborn's system for fighting off disease is not fully developed until he is approximately 6 months old. The benefits of breastfeeding to children include: Higher IQ scores and better performance in school Reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) Reduced risk of certain childhood cancers and juvenile onset diabetes Decreased incidence and severity of allergies Enhanced visual, motor and oral development Benefits to mothers who breastfeed their infants include: Reduced risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer Reduced risk of osteoporosis Quicker recovery after childbirth, decreased postpartum bleeding and less depression Quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight Breastfeeding not only benefits mother and infant, it also helps our community in the following ways: Healthier children More productive future workforce Potential for reduced health insurance premiums Reduced society cost for disease and death Reduced waste of natural resources, water, decreased garbage and pollution The Webster County Health Unit offers a lactation program titled "Healthy Embrace." This program features two well-trained, knowledgeable Peer Counselors who assist mothers with breastfeeding questions and basic breastfeeding difficulties at no cost. Healthy Embrace is funded by the Webster Electric Foundation. The Webster County Health Unit also has manual and mini-electric breast pumps to loan clients at no cost. Hospital-grade electric breast pumps are available with a $5.00 deposit, refundable when the pump is returned. Mothers and mothers-to-be who are breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding are invited to attend monthly "Snack-n-Yack" meetings. Attendees support each other and talk about what to expect from the breastfeeding experience. Snack-n-Yack meets the third Tuesday of each month from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Marshfield library.
			2005 © Copyright Webster County Health Unit, Marshfield, Missouri