Homespun Nurturing Breastfeeding Program

Phone (910)-608-2114

Homespun Nurturing Breastfeeding Program is the only breastfeeding support program within Robeson County which is located within the Robeson County Health Department.  It is designed to offer breastfeeding support and education to all pregnant and breastfeeding families on a daily basis (7 days per week) regardless of income levels.  One Breastfeeding Program Assistant and up to four trained Breastfeeding Peer Counselors educate women as to why breastfeeding is the preferred infant feeding method.   Emphasis is placed on ensuring women access and follow-through with prenatal care, addresses feeding plans, encourage smoking cessation, and encourage WIC participation.  We follow the breastfeeding mother and baby for the full duration of the breastfeeding experience and we help bridge the gap if necessary with medical providers. We encourage preventive health care for mothers and infants.  We visit Southeastern Regional Medical Center to determine if families would like breastfeeding support and enroll mother and baby in the Homespun Nurturing Breastfeeding Program.  Families are able to receive a breastfeeding assessment at home or in the clinic; supportive phone calls; immunization reminders; referral to WIC services if desired; and breastpump rentals if deemed necessary.  Services operate throughout Robeson County, 7 days per week, and we have limited evening hours (if necessary).  The Homespun Nurturing Breastfeeding Program has been in existence for 10 years and has been made possible by funding through the Robeson County Partnership for Children (Smart Start).

 

How Breastfeeding is Good for Mom and Baby

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusively breastfeeding your baby for the first 6 months. After six months gradually introduce iron-enriched solid foods to complement the breast milk diet. It is further recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter, for as long as mutually desired.

Breastfeeding is more than just food

     It is beginning of a special relationship between you and your baby. When you breastfeed, you have a relationship

     with your baby that no one else can have.

     Breast milk is a special food that supplies perfect nutrition for your baby. Each time you breastfeed you will also be

     helping your baby fight germs.

     Your breast milk is always available when your baby wants it. Anywhere. Anytime.

     You can be sure your breast milk is pure, clean, and safe.

     Your breast milk changes to meet the needs of your growing baby. Formula stays the same.

     Babies need different amounts of food. Breastfed babies get just the right amount.

Breastfeeding advantages for the baby:

     Possibly less likelihood of developing asthma

     Protects against some childhood cancers

     Possibly less diabetes (type-1)

     Improved mental development

     Less diarrhea

     Fewer lower respiratory infections

     Fewer urinary tract infection

     Less bacterial meningitis

     Fewer ear infections

     Possibly less sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

     Possibly less diabetes (type-1)

     Possibly less allergic diseases

     If breastfed babies do get sick, the illness is usually milder and doesn't last as long.

Breastfeeding advantages for the mother:

     Less bleeding after giving birth

     Reduced risk of ovarian cancer

     Reduced risk of breast cancer

     Reduced risk of anemia

     Reduced risk of osteoperosis

     Quicker weight loss after giving birth

     Less bone decay and fewer hip fractures in old age

     Less expensive

Breastfeeding saves money

     Formula is expensive. You will also spend money on bottles, nipples, and other equipment.

     If you are on the WIC Program, and you decide not to breastfeed, WIC supplies some of the

     formula your baby will need. As your baby grows, you will have to buy more formula than

     WIC supplies.

Breastfeeding helps the environment

     Breastfeeding is natural and good for the environment. There is no waste; your formula cans

     and old bottles will not add to our landfills.

Breastfeeding is good for you too!

     You will not need to wash bottles or heat formula. Your milk is naturally clean and warm.

     You won't need to stumble around in the dark to make your baby's bottle. Your milk is ready

     and warm.

     Breastfed babies smell sweeter and their diapers do not have an unpleasant odor.

     Breastfed babies are less likely to spit up than formula-fed babies. When they do, it does not stain

     like formula.

     Your uterus will return to its normal size faster when you breastfeed.

     Breastfeeding reduces the risk of some types of ovarian and breast cancer.

     Sitting down to breastfeed will help you rest and regain your strength after pregnancy. Breastfeeding hormones will

     help you relax and feel close to your baby.

When not to breastfeed:

     An infant whose mother uses illegal drugs, has untreated active tuberculosis or has HIV should not be breastfed.

     Although most medications are safe for the breastfed infant, there are a few medications that mothers may need to

     take that may make it necessary to interrupt breastfeeding temporarily. Call Homespun Nurturing Breastfeeding

     Program at (910) 608-2114 to find out if the medication you are taking is safe.

Phone: 910-671-3200

Fax:910-671-3484

Email:Webmaster@hth.co.robeson.nc.us