MACOMB, Ill. — The McDonough County Health Department is being recognized for its breastfeeding care services.
The department received the 2024 Midwest Breastfeeding Award of Excellence, which is given out by the USDA. According to department officials, the MCHD is one of just six agencies in Illinois recognized regionally for this work.
Recipients must prioritize and promote breastfeeding as the optimal nutrition for infants while also ensuring that local agencies have the resources to reach low-income and WIC families. Health officials with MCHD said that breastmilk is the ideal choice of food for a baby's first year of life, providing many health and nutritional benefits.
MCHD offers lactation consultants for mothers who need assistance with breastfeeding. Mothers in the WIC program are also eligible for additional support when they choose to breastfeed, like enhanced food packages and longer participation in the program.
The department takes donations through its milk depot to help mothers who are unable to produce breastmilk. That milk will go through a screening process before it's available for use.
Questions regarding the department's certified lactation consultant and milk depot can be directed to 309-837-9951, extension 2170. Additional information is available on MCHD's website.