Breast Pump Recycling

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Published on Friday, 03 April 2020 00:42

Is it safe to share breast pumps?

Personal use, or “single-user” breast pumps are not made to be passed from mother to mother due to the risk of contamination. The design of these breast pumps allows milk to seep into the motor, where bacteria can grow and be passed on to subsequent users. In addition, the motors of “personal use” breast pumps are designed to perform at full strength for a year or two. A mother who accepts a used “single user” pump or opts to share one might not recognize a poorly functioning motor, which can negatively impact her milk supply.

When you are finished with your "single user" breast pump, instead of passing it along, bring it to the Andrew County Health Department and we will recycle it for you, free of charge!

What if I can't afford a new pump?

There are many options available to moms who can't afford a new breast pump for each baby.

Contact Andrew County Health Department at 816-324-3139

Breastfeeding - COVID 19

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Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2020 17:02

Can mothers who are exposed to or who have contracted covid-19 breastfeed their babies?

Yes. Please see up to date information from the Centers for Disease Control concerning known facts for pregnant and breastfeeding women here.

Breastfeeding and the risk of respiratory tract infections after infancy

Infectious diseases, including respiratory tract infections, are a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization in infants and children.[1, 2] There is much epidemiological evidence for the benefits of breastfeeding against a wide range of infections and illnesses.[3, 4] Breast milk contains various antimicrobial substances, anti-inflammatory components and factors that promote immune development.[4, 5] It enhances the immature immune system of the infant and strengthens defense mechanisms against infectious and other agents during the breastfeeding period.[4–7] Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life with breastfeeding along with complementary feeding thereafter is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Transmission of COVID-19 through breast milk

Much is unknown about how COVID-19 is spread. Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza (flu) and other respiratory pathogens spread. In limited studies on women with COVID-19 and another coronavirus infection, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), the virus has not been detected in breast milk.

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Homes and Residential Communities

Household members, intimate partners, and caregivers in a nonhealthcare setting may have close contact2 with a person with symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or a person under investigation. Close contacts should monitor their health; they should call their healthcare provider right away if they develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath) (see Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Exposure in Travel-associated or Community Settings.)

Close contacts should also follow these recommendations:

• Make sure that you understand and can help the patient follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for medication(s) and care. You should help the patient with basic needs in the home and provide support for getting groceries, prescriptions, and other personal needs.
• Monitor the patient’s symptoms. If the patient is getting sicker, call his or her healthcare provider and tell them that the patient has laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected. Ask the healthcare provider to call the local or state health department for additional guidance. If the patient has a medical emergency and you need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that the patient has, or is being evaluated for COVID-19.
• Household members should stay in another room or be separated from the patient as much as possible. Household members should use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if available.
• Prohibit visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home.
• Household members should care for any pets in the home. Do not handle pets or other animals while sick.  For more information, see COVID-19 and Animals.
• Make sure that shared spaces in the home have good air flow, such as by an air conditioner or an opened window, weather permitting.
• Perform hand hygiene frequently. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• The patient should wear a facemask when you are around other people. If the patient is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), you, as the caregiver, should wear a mask when you are in the same room as the patient.
• Wear a disposable facemask and gloves when you touch or have contact with the patient’s blood, stool, or body fluids, such as saliva, sputum, nasal mucus, vomit, urine.
• Throw out disposable facemasks and gloves after using them. Do not reuse.
• When removing personal protective equipment, first remove and dispose of gloves. Then, immediately clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Next, remove and dispose of facemask, and immediately clean your hands again with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid sharing household items with the patient. You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items. After the patient uses these items, you should wash them thoroughly (see below “Wash laundry thoroughly”).
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables, every day. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
• Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
• Wash laundry thoroughly.
• Immediately remove and wash clothes or bedding that have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
• Wear disposable gloves while handling soiled items and keep soiled items away from your body. Clean your hands (with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer) immediately after removing your gloves.
• Read and follow directions on labels of laundry or clothing items and detergent. In general, using a normal laundry detergent according to washing machine instructions and dry thoroughly using the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label.
• Place all used disposable gloves, facemasks, and other contaminated items in a lined container before disposing of them with other household waste. Clean your hands (with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer) immediately after handling these items. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
• Discuss any additional questions with your state or local health department or healthcare provider. Check available hours when contacting your local health department.

Guidance on breastfeeding for mothers with confirmed COVID-19 or under investigation for COVID-19

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants. However, much is unknown about COVID-19. Whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and healthcare providers.  A mother with confirmed COVID-19 or who is a symptomatic PUI should take all possible precautions to avoid spreading the virus to her infant, including washing her hands before touching the infant and wearing a face mask, if possible, while feeding at the breast.  If expressing breast milk with a manual or electric breast pump, the mother should wash her hands before touching any pump or bottle parts and follow recommendations for proper pump cleaning after each use. If possible, consider having someone who is well feed the expressed breast milk to the infant.

How WIC Supports Breastfeeding

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Published on Wednesday, 03 May 2017 17:09

Many women find that they have questions and concerns regarding breastfeeding. There is a lot of misinformation that gets passed around, and it often leaves moms wondering if breastfeeding is really the right choice for her and her child. WIC helps provide education and training to moms as they begin their breastfeeding journeys. Here are a few ways we help.

1.) One-on-One Meetings with the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

When you come to WIC as a pregnant or breastfeeding mom, you will meet with our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at each WIC appointment. She is an experienced breastfeeding mom with a passion for breastfeeding and a desire to see moms succeed. Each time you meet with her, you can talk about:

• Questions or concerns you might have about breastfeeding
• The amazing benefits of breastfeeding, both for you and your baby
• Tips and tricks to make breastfeeding easy and practical for your family
• Breast pumps and where to get one if you need one
• Ideas on how to continue breastfeeding when you return to work or school
• Local resources that will help you in your breastfeeding journey

2. Breastfeeding Help Hotline

If you need after-hours support, please call our Breastfeeding Help Hotline at 816-273-2278 anytime before 10 pm. The Hotline is run by our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, and she would love to talk to you and make sure you have any questions you might have answered. 

3.) Hospital Grade Breast Pumps

We supply breast pumps to moms who are wanted to return to school or work and are planning on being away from their babies for a period of time, or moms who need to increase or maintain their milk supply. Our goal is to improve the health of both women and infants by helping women provide the best possible nutrition available - mother's milk. To meet the needs of all breastfeeding moms, our WIC program has three types of pumps:

• Multi-user electric breast pumps may be loaned to WIC moms who need to establish their milk supply without their baby, such as in cases of prematurity, sick newborn, or other special needs. WIC participants who are loaned a multi-user electric pump should be given a milk-collection kit that is theirs to keep.
• Manual breast pumps can be given to WIC moms for any reason.

Breast pumps are offered to participants based on what a mom needs, and we make sure to talk to women about hand expression, as well as the importance of feeding their infant at the breast.

When talking with Breastfeeding Peer Counselor about your need for a pump, she might ask you the following questions to get a better idea of what type of pump will best fit your needs:

• How long are you planning on breastfeeding your baby?
• Will you be returning to work or school? If so, when?
• Including your commute to and from work, how long will you be separated from your baby?
• Is your employer or school supportive of your breastfeeding your baby?
• Will you have access to clean, private and safe place to pump every day?
• Is your day-care provider supportive of your breastfeeding?

If you have any questions about breast pump eligibility contact our office at 816-324-3139.

Common Breastfeeding Challenges

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Published on Wednesday, 03 May 2017 14:51

Breastfeeding, like anything worth doing, can come with its share of challenges. If this is your story, it's important to know that you are not alone. The Andrew County Health Department offers many services to breastfeeding moms to help them overcome any challenges they might be facing.

1.) Sore Nipples

Many moms say that their nipples feel tender when they first start breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should feel comfortable once you and your baby have found a good latch and some positions that work.

What you can do

• A good latch is the key to preventing sore nipples. If your baby sucks only on the nipple, gently break your baby's suction to your breast by placing a clean finger in the corner of your baby's mouth. Then try again to get your baby to latch on. (Your nipple should not look flat or compressed when it comes out of your baby's mouth. It should look round and long or the same shape as it was before the feeding.)
• If you find yourself delaying feedings because breastfeeding is painful, call the Breastfeeding Help Hotline or our office to get help from our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.Delaying feedings can cause more pain and harm your milk supply.
• Help cracked nipples stay moist so you can continue breastfeeding. Try one or all of these tips:
• After breastfeeding, express a few drops of milk and gently rub the milk on your nipples with clean hands. Human milk has natural healing properties and oils that soothe.
• Use purified lanolin cream or ointment that is especially made for breastfeeding.
• Let your nipples air dry after feeding, or wear a soft cotton shirt.
• Don't wear bras or clothes that are too tight and put pressure on your nipples.
• Change nursing pads (washable or disposable pads you can place in your bra or absorb leaks) often to avoid trapping in moisture.
• Avoid harsh soaps or ointments that contain astringents (like a toner) on your nipples. Look for labels on products that instruct you to remove them or was the area before breastfeeding. Washing with clean water is all that is needed to keep your nipples and breasts clean.
• If you have very sore nipple, you can ask your doctor about using non-aspirin pain relievers.

 2.) Questions About Milk Supply

Most mothers can make plenty of milk for their babies. But many mothers worry about having enough milk. There may be times when you think your supply is low, but it is actually just fine.

When your baby is around 6 weeks to 2 months old, your breasts may no longer feel full. This is normal. At the same time, your baby may nurse for only five minutes at a time. This can mean that you and your baby are just getting used to breastfeeding - and getting good at it!

Growth spurts can cause your baby to want to nurse longer and more often. These growth spurts can happen when your baby is around 2 to 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months of age. Growth spurts can also happen at any time. Don't be worried that your supply is too low to satisfy your baby. Follow your baby's lead. nursing more and more often will help build up your milk supply. Once your supply increases, you will likely be back to your usual routine.

What you can do

• Make sure your baby is latched on and positioned well.
• Breastfeed often and let your baby decide when to end the feeding.
• Offer both breasts at each feeding. have your baby stay at the first breast as long as he or she is still sucking and swallowing. Offer the second breast when the baby slows down or stops.
• Avoid giving your baby formula or cereal in addition to your breastmilk, especially in the first six months of life. Your baby may lose interest in your breastmilk, and your milk supply will decrease. If you need to supplement your baby's feedings, try using a spoon, cup, or a dropper filled with breastmilk.
• Check with your doctor for health issues, such as hormonal issues or primary breast insufficiency, if the above steps don't help.

3.) Engorgement

It is normal for your breasts to become larger, heavier, and a little tender when they begin making milk. Sometimes, this fullness may turn into engorgement, when your breasts feel very hard and painful. Engorgement is the result of the milk building up. It usually happens during the third to fifth day after giving birth. But it can happen at any time, especially if you have an oversupply of milk or are not feeding your baby or expressing your milk often.

Engorgement can also cause:

• Breast swelling
• Breast tenderness
• Warmth
• Redness
• Throbbing
• Flattening of the nipple
• Low-grade fever

Engorgement can lead to plugged ducts or a breast infection, so it is important ot try to prevent it before this happens. If treated right engorgement should fix itself.

What you can do

• Breastfeed often after giving birth. As long as your baby is latched on and sucking well, allow your baby to feed for as long as he or she likes.
• Call the Breastfeeding Help Hotline or call the Health Department to meet with the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and help improve your baby's latch.
• Breastfeed often on the affected side to remove the milk, keep the milk moving freely, and prevent your breast from becoming overly full.
• Avoid using pacifiers or bottles to supplement feedings in the beginning. Try to wait to introduce pacifiers until your baby is 3 or 4 weeks old.
• Hand express or pump a little milk to soften the breast, areola, and nipple before breastfeeding.
• Massage the breast.
• Use cold compresses on your breast in between feedings to help ease the pain.
• If you are returning to work, try to pump your milk on the same schedule that your baby breastfed at home. Be sure to not let more than four hours pass between pumping sessions.
• Get enough rest, proper nutrition, and fluids.
• Wear a well-fitting, supportive bra that is not too tight. 
• Try reverse pressure softening to make the areola soft around the base of the nipple and help your baby latch. Try one of the holds in the illustrations below. Press inward toward the chest wall and count slowly to 50. Use steady and firm pressure, but gentle enough to avoid pain. You may need to repeat each time you breastfeed for a few days.

4.) Mastitis

Mastitis (mast-EYE-tiss) is soreness or a lump in the breast. It can cause symptoms such as:

• Fever and/or flu-like symptoms, such as feeling run down or very achy
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Yellowish discharge from the nipple that looks like colostrum
• Breasts that feel warm or hot to the touch and appear pink or red

A breast infection can occur when other family members have a cold or the flu. It usually only occurs in one breast. It is not always easy to tell the difference between a breast infection and a plugged duct because both have similar symptoms and can improve within 24-48 hours. Some breast infections that do not improve on their own within this time period need to be treated with medicine given by a doctor.

What you can do

• Breastfeed on the affected side every two hours or more often. This will keep the milk moving freely and our breast from becoming overly full.
• Massage the area, starting behind the sore spot. Move your fingers in a circular motion and massage toward the nipple.
• Apply heat to the sore area with a warm compress.
• Get extra sleep, or relax with your feet up to help speed healing. Often a breast infection is a sign that ta mother is doing too much and becoming overly tired.
• Wear a well-fitting, supportive bra that is not too tight, since this can constrict milk ducts.

Ask your doctor for help if you do not feel better within 24 hours of trying these tips, if you have a fever, or if your symptoms worsen. You might need medicine. See your doctor right away if:

• You have a breast infection in which both breasts look affected
• There is pus or blood in your breastmilk
• You have red streaks near the affected area of the breast
• Your symptoms came on severely and suddenly

5.) Fungal Infections

A fungal infection, also called a yeast infection or thrush, can form on your nipples or in your breast. This type of infection thrives on milk and forms from an overgrowth of the Candida organism. Candida lives in our bodies and is kept healthy by the natural bacteria in our bodies. When the natural balance of bacteria is upset, Candida can overgrow, causing an infection.

A key sign of a fungal infection is sore nipples that last more than a few days, even after your baby has a good latch. Or you may suddenly get sore nipples after several weeks of pain-free breastfeeding. Other signs are pink, flaky, shiny, itchy, or cracked nipples or deep pink and blistered nipples. You also could have achy breasts or shooting pains deep in the breast during or after feedings.

Causes of fungal infection include:

• Thrush in your baby's mouth, which can pass to you
• An overly moist environment on your skin or nipples that are sore or cracked
• use of antibiotics or steroids, perhaps during labor
• A chronic illness like HIV, diabetes, or anemia

What you can do

Funal infections may take several weeks to clear up , so it is important to follow these tips to avoid spreading the infection:

• Change disposable nursing pads often
• Wash any towels or clothing that comes in contact with the yeast in very hot water (above 122 F).
• Wear a clean bra every day.
• Wash your hands often.
• Wash your baby's hands often, especially if he or she sucks on his or her fingers.
• Boil every day all pacifiers, bottle nipples, or toys your baby puts in his or her mouth. (To boil them, place them in a pot of water and heat the water to a rolling boil.)
• After one week of treatment, throw away all pacifiers and nipples and buy new ones.
• Boil every day all breast pump parts that touch your milk.
• Make sure other family members are free of thrush or other fungal infections. If they have symptoms, make sure they get treated.

Office on Women's Health, Department of Health and Human Service (2014, July 21). Common Breastfeeding Challenges. Retrieved February 15, 2017 from http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/common-breastfeeding-challenges.html

Benefits of Breastfeeding

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Published on Wednesday, 03 May 2017 13:16

Breastfeeding is completely natural, and the best feeding option for both moms and babies. Choosing to breastfeed your baby offers them the best start to life, and helps them grow and develop well.

Here are just some of the many benefits of breastfeeding:

1. Breastmilk is your baby's perfect food

Babies who are breastfed for at least 6 month have fewer health problems than babies who are artificially fed, including:

• 3 times fewer ear infections
• 5 times fewer urinary tract infections
• 5 time fewer serious illnesses
• 7 times fewer allergies

Because human milk is so easy for babies to digest, breastfed babies spit up less often, and have less diarrhea and constipation.

Breastfed babies have a decreased risk of SIDS, childhood cancers, and diabetes.

2.) Breastfeeding can begin a lifetime of good health for your baby

As adults, people who were breastfed have:

• less asthma
• less diabetes
• fewer skin problems, including dermatitis and eczema
• fewer allergies
• lowered risk of heart attack and stroke due to lower cholesterol levels
• less ulcers in the large intestine
• less Chron's disease
• protection from certain chronic liver diseases

Breastmilk is brain food. Studies show that children who were breastfed have higher IQs than those who were given breastmilk substitutes.

3. Breastfeeding is healthy for mom

Women who breastfeed lower their risk of breast cancer. Nursing for a lifetime total of:

• 2 years lowers the risk before menopause by 40%
• 6 years lowers the risk before menopause by 66%
• 7 years lowers the risk throughout a woman's life to almost 0%

Breastfeeding also provides protection from cancer of the ovaries as well as osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones.

Debra Swank, RN, BSN, IBCLC. Noodle Soup of Weingart Design: Publisher (2007). Breastfeeding for Good Health (brochure) Cleveland, OH.