Public Health encourages breastfeeding for all babies. Breastfeeding is best for so many reasons:

• Bonding with baby
  
• Protection from illness
• Baby’s digestion
• Reducing allergies
• Growth and development
• Mother’s health
• Cost savings
• Benefits to society and the environment

Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Getting started
Successful breastfeeding requires accurate information and support. To get started view Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington or Women's Health.Gov.

Local support

• Kaiser Permanente - (360) 571-3017
• LaLeche League - (360) 514-6773
• Legacy Salmon Creek – (360) 487-4050
• Nursing Mothers Counsel – (360) 750-0656
• Sea Mar CHC Clark County WIC Nutrition Program
  
  Breastfeeding Peer Counselors - (360) 397-4370
  WIC Program – (360) 397-8459
• Southwest Washington Medical Center – (360) 514-4027

Working and Breastfeeding
Breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby and has many special qualities that cannot be reproduced in formula.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies receive their mother’s milk exclusively for the first six months and continue breastfeeding for at least a year or more.  Breastfed babies are healthier and have fewer infections and illnesses.  You can continue to give your baby the benefits of breastfeeding even if you have to return to work. Remember—some breastmilk is better than no breastmilk!

Mothers are concerned that returning to work will be an obstacle to continuing to breastfeed.  National legislation now requires that employers provide breastfeeding employees with “reasonable break time” and a private, non-bathroom place to express breast milk during the workday, up until the child’s first birthday.

Plan ahead
During your pregnancy, develop a plan with your employer that allows you some flexibility in your work routine so that you can express your breastmilk. Help your employer to understand the benefits of supporting breastfeeding employees, such as:

• Improved productivity
• Improved employee morale
• Decreased health care costs
• Fewer absences

Assistance in continuing to breastfeed when returning to work as well as more information about work place support standards can be found at the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington and the United States Breastfeeding Committee.

Community Involvement
Clark County Breastfeeding Coalition: Local chapter of the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington dedicated to breastfeeding education and awareness in Clark County, Washington.  Anyone can join this coalition living in the Clark County area. Meetings and several awareness events are held throughout the year.

Interested in being part of this incredible cause? Join them on Facebook