Breastfeeding Program

The Academy of Pediatrics and other health and nutrition authorities recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and that breastfeeding continue for at least the first year of life, along with the gradual introduction of a variety of healthy foods.

Getting babies started out with the best nutrition is important. Infants who are not breastfed have a greater risk for a variety of short and long term illnesses.

Program Educators at Cornell Cooperative Extension provide information about feeding infants. They are skilled at helping mothers learn how to breastfeed. Educators can provide information by phone or; at home for those who are eligible for our nutrition education programs. The following are some of the topics that CCE educators will cover.

• What you need to know about breastfeeding before baby is born.

• Help breastfeeding woman with concerns such as uncomfortable breastfeeding or concerns about milk supply.

• Supplementing baby with bottles of breastmilk or formula.

• Help mothers plan for continuing to breastfeed once they return to work or school.

• Answer questions about the current recommendations for infant nutrition.

• Talk to families about feeding solid foods to baby.

• Talk to families about safe use of infant formula.

For more information contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office at 315-379-9192.