Breastfeeding

breastfeedingResearch has shown that there is no better food than breast milk for a baby’s first year of life. Breastfeeding provides many health, nutritional, economical and emotional benefits to mother and baby. The Kankakee County Health Department encourages breastfeeding, and supports pregnant women and new mothers in their choice to breastfeed.

Benefits of breastfeeding:

  • Healthier babies
  • Higher IQ and increased brain development
  • Lower risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), diabetes, and obesity for babies
  • Breast Milk is all babies need in the first 6 months of life

Benefits of Breastfeeding for mothers:

  • Promotes weight loss- breastfeeding women burn up to 500 extra calories a day
  • Lowers risk for cancer and postpartum depression
  • Reduces healthcare costs because babies are healthier
  • Faster recovery time
  • Working moms miss less days of work because their infants are sick less often
  • Develops a special bond between mom and baby

Preparing for baby

Breastfeeding… Baby’s Best Start

Breast Pumping

Pumping is a great option for many mothers.  

By law, health insurance companies are required to provide breast pumps to breastfeeding mothers covered under their plans.   In order to plan most effectively for your breastfeeding experience, contact the customer service phone number listed on your insurance card no later than the third trimester of your pregnancy to ensure your breast pump is available to you upon delivery.  

Click on the button below for more information on breast pumping and breast milk storage.

Pumping Breast Milk

Support and Resources

The Kankakee County Health Department provide Breastfeeding Classes and Personal Consultation (815) 802-9400

Email Us

Presence St Mary's Hospital (815) 935-2229 (BABY)
Riverside Medical Center (815) 935-7511
LaLeche (815) 274-0395 or (815) 260-6983

Breastfeeding Resources