By Chrystal Johnson
(Wampsville, NY – March 2013) Are you pregnant and planning to breastfeed your baby? Or are you breastfeeding and have questions? The good news is help is available day or night.
If you or someone you know is looking for support while breastfeeding, it’s important to know about the breastfeeding programs in Madison County. Breastfeeding Connections is available in Oneida Mondays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oneida Healthcare, 607 Seneca Ave.
In Morrisville, Breastfeeding Connections is Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Community Action Partnership, 6 Cambridge Ave.
Moms can get one-on-one help from a trained lactation consultant.
But oftentimes, you may find yourself with a question during the night or over the weekend. The good news is breastfeeding help is also available by phone, email and even texting. Lactation consultants with Madison County Health Department, Oneida Healthcare Center and WIC are all just a phone call away.
Once you get in touch with them by phone, they can also follow up with you by email or text.
Add these numbers in or near your phone:
* WIC Office Weekdays: 315.363.3210
* WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator Sue Niedzielski: 315.720.0124
* Madison County Health Department, Molly Limbert, R.N.: 315.813.3132 (Available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. by phone or text)
* Oneida Healthcare Lullaby Center open 24 hours: 315.361.2065
“If it hurts or you are thinking of giving up, call me or another helper to see how we can help,” said Molly Limbert, R.N., lactation consultant with Madison County Health Department. “Many questions can be answered over the phone, from how to store breast milk to help with latching.”
Breastfeeding is healthy for mom and baby. Breast milk is the best and most complete food for your baby. If you’ve decided to breastfeed, that is the first step. Getting support when you need it is the next.
Chrystal Johnson, MS, is a public health educator II, a certified health education specialist and certified child safety seat technician with Madison County Health Department.