Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program

*Pictured above left: Leanne Hinds with Diane Bibb donating to the milk bank & Rhiannon Terrill with her fifth breastfed boy, Milo.

The Pike County Health Department offers support for breastfeeding moms through the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling program. Resources, information, and tools, including breast pumps are available. Prenatal and postnatal moms who come to the Pike County Health Department WIC office are offered information, education, support, and a listening ear from Katie Bland, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, along with the rest of the supportive staff.

The Breastfeeding Peer Counseling program provides one-on-one support and in-depth counseling to prenatal and postnatal women who have questions or concerns about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding classes are also offered every month. The department is proud to play a role in the successful breastfeeding journey so that both mother and baby can experience all of the health benefits and bonding that breastfeeding has to offer.

This program also extends to Hannibal Regional Chris Coons Women’s Care Center in Hannibal, MO. We have two Breastfeeding Peer Counselors; Rhiannon Terrill and Leanne Hinds who are there to assist new moms on the beginning of their breastfeeding journey. The link above will give you information on their support group times, classes and other information.

Check out our Breastfeeding Resource Guide!

What our staff has to say about their role as Breastfeeding Peer Counselors

“I am in the business of empowering moms and I love it! I can be reached 24/7 on my warm-line at 573-719-7690.”

– Rhiannon Terrill, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor HRH

“I’m available by phone anytime for our moms who have concerns or questions about breastfeeding, any day of the week . Sometimes a listening ear and a word of encouragement from someone who has been through it is all a mom needs to confidentially continue breastfeeding. Or sometimes a bit of information helps the process make a lot more sense. Moms need support and that’s what I’m here for. I can be contacted at my office 573-324-2111 I’m available by phone anytime for our moms who have concerns or questions about breastfeeding, any day of the week (573-470-0223).”

– Leah Diffey, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor PCHD

Breastfeeding Support Group

The Breastfeeding Support Group meets every Monday at 1:00 p.m in our Community Conference Room (side entrance).

The goal of this free support group is to help mothers breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Children and family support are also welcome to attend.

Advice from other moms should never replace the advice from medical experts. If you have questions or concerns about your health or your baby’s well-being you should always contact your physician or a lactation consultant.

Breastfeeding Support Group Flyer

Milk Depot – Mom’s donating breast milk

Our very own, Leanne Hinds, was one of the first to graciously donate at the Hannibal Milk Depot; in this photo she is standing with Diane Bibb, MSN, Lactation Consultant for Hannibal Regional Chris Coons Women’s Care Center.

PCHD Breastfeeding Peer Counselors were excited to attend the Grand Opening of the Milk Depot at Hannibal Hospital in May 2016. Human milk can be donated and will go to the Milk Bank in Indiana where it is processed and given to fragile babies in various NICUs.

Interested in donating? Donor’s must be in good general health and also are required to take a blood test. These blood tests can be taken at our office by appointment, for other donor requirements and more information please click the links below.

For more information about milk donation and Hannibal Regional’s Milk Depot:

www.themilkbank.org

Leah Diffey, Breast Feeding Peer Counselor for Pike County Health Department 573-324-2111

Diane Bibb, MSN, Lactation Consultant for Hannibal Regional Chris Coons Women’s Care Center at 573-406-2122.

Breastfeeding Task Force

The Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice and the local WIC agency has been making strides towards promoting breastfeeding through education, support and the offering of resources. In efforts to help women reach their breastfeeding goals, it has become apparent that a strong community-based support system is crucial to breastfeeding success. We also desire to be a source of information and support in adapting to new developments regarding breastfeeding. The Pike County Breastfeeding Task Force consists of medical and healthcare professionals that meet quarterly to discuss and addresses the importance, implementation, and ongoing availability of breastfeeding support to women in our community.

For more information please contact Leah Diffey, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor 573-324-2111

Upcoming Meetings:

Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 @7:30am – click here to download flyer

Pike County Health Department – A Breastfeeding Friendly Facility

The Pike County Health Department facility is also breastfeeding friendly, with a comfortable room that is open to the public and designated for breastfeeding moms who desire to nurse or pump in private.

Are you interested in becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace? Call and speak with Leah Diffey about the grant funding that may be available to assist you in creating a breastfeeding space at your establishment. 573-324-2111

April 2016: PCHD receives BRIGHT IDEA award

The Missouri Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Conference was held in Jefferson City April 26th and 27th, 2016. It was a time for Peer Counselors to Network and learn during a variety of talks and panel discussions. Throughout the event, awards were presented to agencies. PCHD received the “Bright Ideas” award.

The Bright Ideas Award was presented to agencies using creative strategies to impact lactation throughout their communities. Pike County was selected for this award for the collaboration with Hannibal Regional Hospital which allows them to provide Breastfeeding Peer Counselors in the hospital as well as in the WIC Clinic. The Peer Counselors are able to provide breastfeeding education and support to families before, during and after delivery.