Perry County Breastfeeding Support

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Perry County Breastfeeding Support Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are moms who have breastfed and want to help other moms succeed in nursing their babies, too.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are everyday women who have breastfed and who want to help provide moms-to-be and new moms with information and encouragement. They will answer your questions and share their own personal experiences, so that you, too, can have a successful breastfeeding experience.

Mamas, I’m going to go ahead and state the obvious. Our bodies are amazing!We are always feeding exactly what our baby n...
08/26/2026

Mamas, I’m going to go ahead and state the obvious. Our bodies are amazing!

We are always feeding exactly what our baby needs at every feed!

Our breastmilk is constantly changing according to our baby’s needs, time of day, and environment around us. For example:

Breastmilk changes as baby grows.

▪️When baby is first born, we provide a thicker-more golden color milk called colostrum (aka First Milk). This milk provides so many immunological components that protect our newborn. It coats the internal organs and lining of their digestive, reproductive, and respiratory tract. It protects our baby from the inside out.

▪️As our baby enters the toddler years (after the 1 year mark), our breastmilk changes again. The volume decreases but the antibodies and fat concentration increases. It boosts their immune system and still helps meet their nutritional needs (as we all know how picky toddlers can get).

Breastmilk changes during growth spurts, illnesses, and even when the environment changes around us.

▪️Our babies will breastfeed more frequently during growth spurts. This helps increase the fat content in our milk, which is needed for growth.

▪️When our baby is sick or when we are exposed to a virus or bacteria. Our milk increases its immunological components and becomes that liquid gold again. Research has shown that when our little one is sick (and we’re not) our body detects it via their saliva. When they latch on to us, their saliva enters via the ni**le and our body starts producing specific antibodies.

▪️The environment plays a role. If there are viruses or bacteria in the air that we breath in, our body will start producing antibodies that will be passed through breastmilk to protect our babies.

Breastmilk even changes according to time of day.

▪️There are different hormones in our breastmilk and the time of day plays a role. In the early morning there is more prolactin (hormone that helps produce milk). At night is a higher level of serotonin and other hormones that help baby sleep.

You see mamas, our bodies are amazing inside and out! Our breastmilk is made perfectly at every feed.

I always tell new moms yes, breastfeeding is natural but it is a learning experience which requires A LOT of patience.Yo...
08/24/2026

I always tell new moms yes, breastfeeding is natural but it is a learning experience which requires A LOT of patience.

Your newborn is just learning how to eat in a different way. And you are learning how to feed a little human in a way you’ve never fed before.

Just stay patient, and remember we are here to help you achieve your feeding goals and answer questions or concerns you may have.

Breastmilk is more than just nutrition.In 2007, science discovered stem cells in breastmilk.In 2012, science discovered ...
08/19/2026

Breastmilk is more than just nutrition.

In 2007, science discovered stem cells in breastmilk.

In 2012, science discovered that these stem cells survive the stomach and were found in places like the blood, the thymus, the spleen, the heart, even the brain. They noticed that they had functionally merged into organs and were producing organ-specific proteins.

Amazing!

Dr. Foteini Kakulas, continues to research the biology and functionality of breastmilk. She continues to research not only the developmental benefits breastmilk has on babies, but also the role it has on tissue regeneration and the impact it may have in various diseases.

Share this with any mama who might need a little encouragement with breastfeeding. One of many reasons why we breastfeed!

The biting stage.Many moms have gone through this stage. Some babies never bite, and then you have some who do.Reasons w...
08/17/2026

The biting stage.

Many moms have gone through this stage. Some babies never bite, and then you have some who do.

Reasons why your little one might bite you.

1.) Teething - although breastfeeding soothes any teething pain, your little one may bite you right when you offer your breast or when he/she is done.

2.) Bored - this typically happens towards the end of his/her feeding session, when they are no longer hungry and lose interest.

3.) Distracted - don’t force a feeding. If your little one is not interested let him/her play. They’ll let you know when they’re hungry.

4.) Attention - some babies bite for attention, especially when they are older. Bringing your attention back to the baby will also help you to be aware of when your little one is about to bite. Chances of getting bitten while interacting with this is low.

Ways to stop the biting:

1.) Stop the nursing session and as calmly as you can look at your little one and say “okay, we’re all done now”. He/she will eventually figure out that biting means no more milk.

2.) It they’re continuously biting, you need to become more firm and in a stern teacher voice say no and end your feeding session. (I say teacher voice b/c every child stops what they’re doing and listens to what the teacher is saying)

3.) Worst case scenario, if your little one bites you and won’t let go. You’ll need reinforcements. Place your finger between the gums and pull away.

It’s another learning process. Unfortunately for us mamas who have to go through it, it won’t be a one time bite - expect a few more feeding sessions with some biting involved. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Note: never yell or scream (even though you may want to b/c of the pain), some babies react negatively and will either stop nursing out of fear or they find it funny and continue biting.

It’s so important that we remember to take care of ourselves, even when it feels like there is not enough time in the da...
08/12/2026

It’s so important that we remember to take care of ourselves, even when it feels like there is not enough time in the day. Our little one(s) needs us. These are just a few tips to keep in mind. . .
1.) Whatever you do, however busy you are, don’t skip a meal. Skipping a meal can make you feel fatigue and nauseous, and most of us were done with that when we finished our first trimester.

2.) Water is the best way to stay hydrated. You tend to become thirstier when breastfeeding because you are losing fluids. However, don’t over do it. Too much water can dry you up! Just drink when thirsty.

3.) Continuing your prenatal vitamins is important. Sometimes (who am I kidding), MOST of the time we DON’T think about what nutrients our meals give us and if it’s enough. But taking your prenatal vitamins ensure you that you’re meeting your daily nutritional intake.

4.) Did you know you can eat an extra 500 calories a day!!??! This is because you burn calories when breastfeeding. (I know it’s a win win situation!) So to make up for the lost calories and to make sure you still have energy, you should add an extra 500 calories to your diet. The extra cookie or ice cream cone won’t hurt you 😉.

5.) After the honeymoon stage is over (when all the help disappears), this typically happens when baby is around 4 months, you’re going to realize you have no time to take a break. Use your breastfeeding moments and/pumping moments as your down time. You will need it! Find YOUR spot, and go breastfeed or pump. Everyone knows to not bother a breastfeeding or pumping mom (except your other kids and sometimes your spouse 😆)

6.) Help is always something that should just roll off your tongue. Whether it’s for someone to come wash your dishes, fold the laundry, make a meal, or entertain your toddlers as you figure out your schedule with the baby, asking for help is normal.

7.) Your breasts are important! Take care of them. Avoid wearing anything tight around your breasts and avoid underwire bras. These significantly increase your chances of getting a clogged duct and/or mastitis.

8.) Good hygiene is important. It’s amazing how even a five minute shower can make you feel like you just left the spa! Honestly, I didn’t know I can take a full shower in five minutes until I had kids.

9.) Don’t stress. Easier said than done. But in all honesty, stress is the worst emotional feeling to have. It works against milk production. Take it day by day, hour by hour.

10.) We heard it from everyone. Babies love routine, but so do breastfeeding mamas. If you have a routine, then you’ll see how easy it is to tackle the day and even weeks ahead.

A happy mama = a happy baby = happy feedings.

Did you know that your body starts producing your first milk (Colostrum) between 12 -18 weeks of gestation? And you cont...
08/10/2026

Did you know that your body starts producing your first milk (Colostrum) between 12 -18 weeks of gestation? And you continue producing colostrum through the first few days after birth.

However, our journey doesn’t start when the biological process of breastmilk production begins. It begins when we decide we are going to breastfeed.

We learn what to expect about babies before baby comes. So, why not learn about breastfeeding before baby comes as well?

Early education in breastfeeding is important. Many moms decide to breastfeed, inform their OBGYNs when asked about feeding plans after birth, but then it stops there. No further discussion, no referral to a certified lactationist, no education is given about breastfeeding.

So when it comes time to start breastfeeding, many moms give up early on. One reason is the lack of lactation support and another reason is the expectation of breastfeeding was far from the reality of it.

Learning the benefits of breastfeeding, what to expect, the different breastfeeding positions, how to get a good latch, and how to know baby is drinking are only a few of the many questions new breastfeeding moms have.

So if you know a mom-to-be who is planning to breastfeed, let her know that her journey begins that moment she decides she’s going to breastfeed. Share some of your favorite breastfeeding pages with her so she can start educating herself and be better prepared for when the time comes to start feeding her baby.

Breastfeeding is a process that involves education and support. We are here to offer education and support as well!

No matter the size of your breasts, you can make just as much breastmilk as the mama with the smaller or bigger breasts ...
08/06/2026

No matter the size of your breasts, you can make just as much breastmilk as the mama with the smaller or bigger breasts next to you.

Just remember that your breasts will make more milk only if you empty them. Frequent breastfeeding helps you make more milk!

💯 Breastfeeding is a super power and we’re here to show you that you have that super power too!
07/27/2026

💯 Breastfeeding is a super power and we’re here to show you that you have that super power too!

There’s a reason why colostrum is dubbed as liquid gold. It is our baby’s first immunity booster.Also known as the first...
07/20/2026

There’s a reason why colostrum is dubbed as liquid gold. It is our baby’s first immunity booster.

Also known as the first milk, colostrum is highly concentrated in proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and antibodies. It plays a vital role in our baby’s skin, vision, and immune system, and supports our baby’s bones and heart.

The purpose of colostrum is to protect but to also fight any pathogens that may have come in contact with our baby. This very powerful and unique immunity that is given to our little ones can only be found in colostrum.

What an immunity booster, and worth every struggle!

People love to reduce breastfeeding to food.But babies were never designed to need only calories.They nurse when they're...
07/07/2026

People love to reduce breastfeeding to food.

But babies were never designed to need only calories.

They nurse when they're hungry. They nurse when they're scared. They nurse when they're overwhelmed. They nurse when they're tired. They nurse when they need help regulating a nervous system that is still under construction.

That's because breastfeeding isn't just feeding.

It's warmth. It's comfort. It's connection. It's a safe place in a big, overwhelming world.

The milk matters.

But the relationship matters too.

And if you've ever felt like your baby wanted you more than they wanted the milk, you weren't imagining it.

Biology built it that way. ❤️

Address

907 South Main Street, P. O Box 49
Pinckneyville, IL
62274

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16183575371

Website

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