By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
According to the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition, nearly 90 percent of new mothers in Kansas begin breastfeeding after giving birth, but only half of those parents are still breastfeeding six months later. The Coalition designated the Barton County Health Department as a "Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department" for its work in supporting breastfeeding families. WIC and Breastfeeding Coordinator Bev Frizell explained the award.
"We are doing seven steps to help promote breastfeeding and to be a breastfeeding-friendly facility," she said, "so when our clients come in, they know they don't have to worry about breastfeeding here. They can breastfeed without any peer pressure to not."
The health department has met the seven criteria required for the designation, including community engagement, staff education, and client education and support. Staff has a referral system with local hospitals so they can contact new mothers within days of giving birth to answer any questions or concerns about breastfeeding.
"We also provide prenatal breastfeeding education," Frizell said. "We have breastfeeding classes for pregnant moms who would like to learn about breastfeeding before their babies are born, what to expect during their breastfeeding journey."
The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition has also recognized the health department and Barton County Courthouse for its support of employees who wish to breastfeed.
Anyone in the community is welcome to attend the health department's Breastfeeding Support Group on the second and third Wednesday each month.