The Howard County Breastfeeding Coalition is a group of volunteers, i.e. MD's, nurses, WIC staff, counselors, and others who support breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding coalition was initiated to promote breastfeeding in Howard County. Howard County is around 52-59%. For all of the benefits of breastfeeding the public and medical community frequently don't understand the importance of breastfeeding.

The Breastfeeding Coalition hosts Trots for Tots Family Funwalk / Baby Shower and Health Fair , an annual fundraising event that occurs during World Breastfeeding Week in August. This is a fun-filled, educational event where prizes are awarded and freebies are handed out, but most importantly information on breastfeeding is disseminated. With the money raised from this and any other donations, the Coalition hand-delivers "Thanksgiving Baskets" filled not only with candy, but information and books on breastfeeding, to various doctors offices, clinics, and pharmacies.

Mission Statement:

• To promote breastfeeding in Howard County, in the home, workplace, and in the public areas.
• To educate health professionals and the community about the value of human milk and the importance of the breastfeeding relationship.

Our Goal reflects the goals of HEALTHY CHILDREN 2010:

• That 75% of Moms in Howard County will be breastfeeding at birth
• 50% will be exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months
• at least 25% will be breastfeeding until baby's first birthday

Benefits to Mom are numerous. Here are just a few...

• Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
• BREAST MILK IS FREE! Eliminates the cost of formula.
• Protection against osteoporosis and hip fracture later in life
• Develops a special emotional bond.
• Promotes weight loss during the year after delivery.
• Does not affect mom's ability to return to work or to an exercise program after baby is 6 weeks old.

Benefits to Babies are numerous. Here are just a few...

• Provides the perfect mix of nutrients and antibodies. The perfect food for any age of the newborn through toddler.
• Protects against diarrhea.
• Protects against ear infections.
• Protects against respiratory illnesses.
• Reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
• Reduces food and respiratory allergies
• Creates a special warm bond with Mom
• Increases IQ
• Improves survival rate throughout the first year of life.

Benefits to Environment and Society are numerous. Here are just a few...

• Ensures children are properly fed.
• Reduces absenteeism and improves productivity in the workplace due to less child illnesses.
• Reduces the cost of healthcare nationwide by promoting healthier children and mothers.
• Reduces tax burden on communities and government.

Need help? Want more info? Contact...

St. Joseph Hospital's Breastfeeding Helpline:
B. Chauvaux RN, J. Morgan RN, J. Morris RN, CLE - 765.456.6566
B. Lawless, CLE Dietician - 765.452.5611
Breastfeeding Classes open to all (classes on rotating monthly schedule)
Call to sign up - 765.456.5000

WIC (Women, Infants, Children)
Linda Soots IBCLC - 765.864.4160 ext 127
Breastfeeding Classes available at IHC: 2nd Wednesday of the month 7pm; 3rd Friday of the month 1pm

The BreastWay Lactation & Childbirth Services
Cheryl Parrott RN, BSN, IBCLC, Breastpump Rental - 765.454.8805

Howard Community Hospital: Community In-Home Care
Cathy Shaw RN, CLC - 765.453.8357
HCH Breastfeeding Classes open to all: 3rd Monday of the month 10am-12:30pm; 3rd Wednesday of the month 6-8:30pm

La Leche League Leader, Owner of The Parenting Store
Maureen McCarthy - 765.455.1033

Martha Kinney RN, CPNP
Located at North Central Pediatrics - 765.864.6700

Cindi Myers RN, BSN, IBCLC - 765.453.0989

www.breastfeeding.com
1-800-LA-LECHE
Local Breastfeeding Support the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm at IHC. Call Linda or Maureen (above).