Breast feeding provides many benefits for Mother and baby. 

• Human milk provides the specific nutrients meant for proper nutrition and growth for the infant.

• It also provides antibodies that help protect the baby from illness with decreased likelihood of allergies and dental caries.

• Breast fed babies score slightly higher on IQ tests, especially those born prematurely.

• There are reduced rates of breast and ovarian cancer in breastfeeding women.

• Breast feeding saves time and money.

Moms who decide to breast feed their babies often have many questions on how to do this successfully. 

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency offers:

• Free, individual breastfeeding consultations by a registered nurse who is specially trained as a lactation educator. The nurse can answer questions about breastfeeding, offer suggestions on breastfeeding techniques and address problems that might arise

• Free breast pumps if eligible.

• Referrals to breastfeeding support groups in the local community.

For further information on this program, please contact the local health agency office and ask to speak to the lactation educator.

Coldwater:    517-279-9561 ext. 116
Hillsdale:      517-437-7395 ext. 324
Three Rivers: 269-273-2161 ext. 245