One of the major goals of the Wood County Breastfeeding Coalition has been to increase support for breastfeeding moms. So much research has found that support is the BEST way to increase breastfeeding duration and rates. So we are doing just that, supporting moms in any way that we can.
The Wood County Breastfeeding Coalition has members from the Wood County Health Department, Riverview Hospital and Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital. All of these agencies are dedicated to supporting breastfeeding moms.
When a new mom delivers her baby, she is provided extensive breastfeeding support in the hospital. Upon discharge, mom is given a packet of breastfeeding information, complete with a list of all of the individuals in Wood County who hold lactation credentials. Both Riverview Hospital and Saint Joseph's Hospital follow-up via telephone with these moms at 7-10 days postpartum. They are welcome to an office visit as needed.
The support doesn't end there! Continued support is offered as needed through both hospitals. The staff at the Wood County Health Department start follow-up postpartum as well. All moms who indicate that they are breastfeeding at hospital discharge are contacted at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after baby is born by a lactation professional. They are offered support through phone contact, home visits or office visits. All of these services are free. They are welcome to call their breastfeeding support person at any time!
Individuals who participate in the WIC program receive even more follow-up through a peer counselor. The WIC program is committed to increasing mother's breastfeeding success. They are offered extensive breastfeeding information at all visits and the peer counselor contacts them multiple times prenatally and postpartum.
To inquire about the support services offered by these agencies, contact:
Wood County Health Department at (715) 421-8911
Riverview Hospital at (715) 421-7452
Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital at (715) 393-3222