Tri-County Health Department recognizes breastfeeding as an important preventive health measure and as the preferred method of infant feeding to promote optimal growth and development of infants and protect the health of mothers.

Breastfeeding offers an unmatched beginning for our children.
Human milk provides the optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies necessary for each baby to thrive. Scientific studies have shown us that breastfed children have fewer and less serious illnesses than those who never receive breast milk, including reduced risk of SIDS and less childhood cancer and diabetes.

Mothers who choose to breastfeed are healthier.
Recent studies show that women who breastfeed have lower risks of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia and osteoporosis. They are empowered by their ability to provide complete nourishment for their babies. Both mother and baby enjoy the emotional benefits of the very special and close relationship formed through breastfeeding.

The environment benefits when babies are breastfed.
Although we live in a polluted world, scientists agree that breast milk is still the very best way to nourish our babies and may even protect babies from some of the effects of pollution. Breastfeeding uses none of the tin, paper, plastic or energy necessary for preparing, packaging and transporting artificial baby milks. Since there is no waste in breastfeeding, each breastfed baby cuts down on our pollution and garbage disposal systems.

Families who breastfeed save money.
In addition to the fact that breast milk is free, breastfeeding provides savings on health care costs and related time lost to care for sick children. Because breastfeeding saves money, fathers feel less financial pressure and take pride in knowing that they are able to give their babies the very best.

Communities reap the benefits of breastfeeding.
Research shows that there is less absenteeism from work among breastfeeding families. Families who breastfeed have more money available to purchase goods and services, thereby benefiting the local economy. Research also shows that breastfed babies have higher IQ scores. When babies are breastfed, both mother and baby are healthier throughout their lives. This translates to lower health care costs and reduces the financial burden on families and third party payers, as well as on community and government medical programs.

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Tri-County Programs:
• WIC - The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children
• WIC - National Website
• WIC Peer Counseling Program
• TCHD Employee Support Program
• TCHD Lactation Support Guidelines

General Information:
• Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
• World Breastfeeding Week
• Recommended Reading
• General Resources
• Legislation
• Breastfeeding Statistics
• Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition

Nursing Mothers:
• Mother's Milk Bank
• Breast Pumps, Equipment and Supplies
• Lactation Consultants
• Local Hospital Help and Resources
• Medications and Breast Milk
• Storing and Handling Breast Milk
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Latch and Positioning
• Breastfeeding Myths
• National Women's Health and Info Center
• Colorado Can Do 5
• Breastfeeding.com

Doctors and Care Providers:
• Amer. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Breastfeeding Pharmacology
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• Center for Breastfeeding/Research/Training
• Free Brochures and Resources
• Maternal and Child Health Bureau
• U.S. Breastfeeding Committee
• World Alliance for Breastfeeding Medicine
• Medications and Breastmilk
• American Academy of Family Physicians

Employer Information and Mothers Returning to Work and School:
• HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding
• Employer Benefits Summary Sheet
• Workplace Breastfeeding Support
• Employers Toolkit
• CDC Toolkit
• Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition
• The Business Case for Breastfeeding
• Creating Breastfeeding Policies
• Guide to Breastfeeding Interventions
• La Leche League
• School Letter of Support
• Employee Letter of Support

Printable Brochures:
• Graduate Smart
• Making Milk is Easy
• Supermom
• American Dietetic Association
• CDC - Centers for Disease Control
• La Leche League International
• Lactation Consultants

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