Allen County Health Department awarded for efforts to strengthen breastfeeding support

In our quest for a healthier, more inclusive society, our goal to make Allen County a breastfeeding-friendly local health department isn’t just progress—it’s a bold leap towards a future where every mother feels empowered, every child receives the best start in life, and our community as a whole flourish.

The Power of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is more than a personal choice; it’s a public health imperative. The benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond the immediate bond between mother and child. It’s a lifeline that delivers essential nutrients, strengthens immune systems, and fosters healthier growth and development. For mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of certain cancers, diabetes, and postpartum depression.

Breastfeeding is more than just a matter of personal health; it's a cornerstone of a healthy community. When mothers are supported in breastfeeding, the entire community reaps the rewards—lower healthcare costs, healthier children, and a foundation for lifelong wellness.

Why Allen County Health Department?

Becoming a breastfeeding-friendly local health department is a crucial move for the Allen County Health Department. It sends a powerful message: we are committed to the health and well-being of our community. This designation isn't just a title—it reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that every mother in Allen County has the support, resources, and environment she needs to successfully breastfeed her child. This effort has involved providing staff training, ensuring that breastfeeding mothers have access to private, comfortable spaces, and actively promoting breastfeeding education and resources. By creating an environment that supports breastfeeding, the Allen County Health Department will not only empower mothers but also set a standard for other institutions in the area to follow.

Building a Community of Support

The importance of community support for breastfeeding cannot be overstated. For too long, mothers have faced unnecessary challenges—lack of support at work, public spaces that aren't breastfeeding-friendly, and societal pressures that undermine their confidence. But when a community rallies around its mothers, incredible things happen.

By supporting breastfeeding efforts, we are investing in the health of our future generations. Children who are breastfed are less likely to develop chronic conditions like asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, creating a breastfeeding-friendly community sends a clear message: we value our mothers, our children, and our future. It fosters a culture of health and well-being that extends beyond breastfeeding, encouraging other health initiatives to take root and flourish.

The Ripple Effect

When the Allen County Health Department takes the lead in becoming breastfeeding-friendly, it sets off a ripple effect. Other local businesses, schools, and public spaces will be inspired to follow suit. This collective effort will create a supportive environment where breastfeeding is normalized, celebrated, and encouraged. The benefits of this initiative will be felt for generations to come. Healthier children lead to healthier adults, and healthier adults contribute to a thriving community. By supporting breastfeeding, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, healthier future for Allen County.

KBC Press Release

Manhattan, KS, October 23, 2023 – Allen County Health Department has received the “Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department” from the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition.   

Local health departments play a critical role in supporting breastfeeding families in their community. This important designation was created by the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition and Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute, with support from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, to recognize and celebrate local health departments that are committed to supporting breastfeeding families.   

Nearly 90% of new parents in Kansas start breastfeeding after giving birth, but only half are still breastfeeding six months later. The Allen County Health Department is working to improve breastfeeding rates in their community by achieving the seven criteria for the Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department. The criteria address community engagement, staff education, referral systems, and client education and support.  Additional investments are made to ensure families are provided with culturally competent lactation care and integration of diversity and equity through representative materials and imagery. 

"We want to shine the spotlight on local health departments that have prioritized breastfeeding support," says Susan Lukwago, Chair of the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition Board of Directors.

Local health departments across Kansas are encouraged achieve the Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department designation to increase their capacity and effectiveness in providing families with breastfeeding support. More information is available at https://ksbreastfeeding.org/breastfeeding-friendly-local-health-department/.

The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition is a non-profit 501(c) 3 working collaboratively to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding in order to improve the health and wellbeing of Kansas families.

If you would like more information about this topic or would like to schedule an interview with Brenda Bandy, call (785) 477-4666 or email bbandy@ksbreastfeeding.org

Moving Forward Together

As we embark on this journey, it’s important to remember that change doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires the collective effort of everyone in our community—health professionals, business leaders, policymakers, and citizens alike. By working together, we can ensure that every mother in Allen County has the support she needs to successfully breastfeed her child.

Let’s take this step forward, not just for the mothers of today, but for the generations of tomorrow.