Madison County Health Department
Breastfeeding Support

To protect, promote and improve the health of our community

Why Breastfeed?

Breastfeeding provides numerous well-documented health benefits to infants and mothers. These benefits are greatest when human milk is the baby's primary food for at least the first 6 months of life.

Advantages for baby:

Breast milk is the BEST food for baby.
Breast milk helps Protect baby from getting sick.
Breastfeeding provides protection from illness.
Breastfeeding may help decrease or delay allergies.
Breastfeeding helps the development of face & mouth.
Breastfeeding provides better brain development.
Breastfeeding gives skin to skin contact and is comforting to baby.

Advantages for mom:

Helps mom feel close to her baby.
Breastfeeding burns calories!
Breastfeeding saves time.
Breastfeeding saves money.
Breastfeeding makes travel easier.
Breastfeeding may reduce risk of breast & uterine cancer.

Services available:

The Breastfeeding support team is here to be of assistance to any mother who needs our assistance.

We can provide :

Education prenatally.
Provide assistance with breastfeeding after delivery.
Assist with problem solving of breastfeeding difficulties.

Common Concerns

Do you have inverted or flat nipples?
Does the baby have trouble latching on?
Are you having trouble with your milk supply?
Are you worried your baby isn't getting enough

We have experienced staff who have breastfed their children and educated themselves on Breastfeeding - the Art !

Positions for breastfeeding

Cradle hold - most widely used position. Baby is cradled with her head in the crook of your arm. Baby should be tummy-to-tummy with you.

Football hold - baby is tucked under mom's arm on the side on which the child is feeding. A pillow is placed underneath the infant for support, and mom supports the infant's head with the arm on the side the infant is feeding.

Side-lying - Mom is resting on the side that the baby is feeding on. Mom may use a pillow or her arm to prop her head to prevent rolling on infant. A pillow can be used to prop the baby's back for support.

Whatever position is comfortable should be OK. Bring the baby to the breast. Don't take the breast to the baby. You shouldn't have a backache when you're done. Breastfeeding should be comfortable and pleasant. Positioning is very important. If it hurts, something isn't right!

Breastfeeding Room

We are so committed to supporting and encouraging breastfeeding, that we converted an office to a beautiful Breastfeeding Room! Ask to see it and please use it when you come in for services. Any staff member can assist you. Let us know what you think of it!