The Columbia County Division of Health Staff is very supportive of your choice to breastfeed.

Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby.  It contains more than 200 nutrients.  It is always ready to drink.  It’s never too hot or too cold.  Your body will make as much milk as your baby needs. 

Breastfed babies are healthier.  Breast milk protects your baby from illness and makes vaccines work better.  Breastfed babies have fewer ear infections and respiratory problems.  They have less gas, constipation, and diarrhea.  Their risk of diabetes and obesity as children and adults is less.  They have better brain development and score higher on IQ tests.  Their risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is less. 

Mothers who breastfeed are healthier.  They experience less bleeding after childbirth and lose weight quicker.  Their risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer is less.  Their risk of diabetes and heart disease is less.  They have stronger bones.

Breastfeeding saves time and money.  You can save over $2,000 to $3,000 in the first year alone by not having to buy formula.  Parents miss less work caring for sick children.  They have less health care costs for baby. 

Breastfeeding is good for your family.  It is the healthiest, safest, and simplest way to feed your baby.  It makes life easier for the whole family.

You can get more information on breastfeeding at the following websites:

http://www.kellymom.com/