Utah County health officials announced Thursday that free breastfeeding consultations and classes are available to all community members to assist mothers navigating the challenges of nursing. These resources, offered through local WIC clinics, aim to provide tools for families, ranging from nutritional guidance to practical advice for returning to work.
Community-Wide Support Services
The Utah County Health Department stated that its 60-minute breastfeeding classes are taught by certified lactation experts. These sessions are designed to assist both first-time mothers and those new to breastfeeding by addressing critical questions, such as how often to feed a baby and how to manage the transition back to work or school.
While these classes are hosted at WIC clinics, the department emphasized that they are open to any member of the community, not just WIC clients. Individuals can schedule appointments by calling or texting 801-851-7312 to receive assistance with breastfeeding goals.
WIC Program Resources
Beyond classroom instruction, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services through its WIC program offers personalized counseling with experienced breastfeeding peer counselors. These services include nutrition education, regular growth checks for infants, and access to breast pumps.
In addition to counseling, the WIC program provides resources specifically for working mothers to help them continue breastfeeding. This support is part of a broader effort to provide nutritional and breastfeeding services to families across various Utah counties, including Bear River, Central Utah, Davis, Salt Lake, San Juan, Southeast Utah, Southwest Utah, Summit, Tooele, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber-Morgan.
The Biological Importance of Breastmilk
The availability of support is critical given the complexities of lactation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one-third of infants are exclusively breastfed as recommended until they reach six months of age.
Research highlights that breastfeeding provides essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, that change to meet a baby's specific needs as they grow. For example, colostrum produced immediately after birth contains higher levels of protein and antibodies, whereas milk produced around two weeks postpartum contains higher levels of carbohydrates and fat to support growth.
Long-Term Health Benefits
The health benefits of breastfeeding extend to both the infant and the mother. The CDC reports that breastfeeding can reduce an infant's risk for asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), as well as gastrointestinal infections. For mothers, breastfeeding may lower the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.
Furthermore, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services noted that breastfeeding provides antibodies that boost a baby's developing immune system and can have long-term effects, such as lowering the risk of allergies.
Access to Pumping Equipment
For mothers requiring specialized equipment, Intermountain Healthcare provides an on-demand breast pump service for patients 18 and older in Utah. This service offers hospital-grade pumps, such as the Ameda Mya Joy PLUS or the GLO Wearable Breast Pump, with costs ranging from $145 to $170 for out-of-pocket payments, depending on the model and insurance coverage.
Intermountain Healthcare noted that while patients do not need a doctor's order, they can request a pump through an online form, and the organization will coordinate with insurance providers to verify coverage. Most pumps arrive within five business days of order confirmation.
Economic and Workplace Impact
Economic factors also play a role in the push for increased breastfeeding support. The CDC reported that low breastfeeding rates add more than $3 billion annually to U.S. medical costs for mothers and children.
Additionally, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services indicated that supporting breastfeeding in the workplace can benefit employers by reducing absenteeism and improving employee retention. A study cited by the department found that 83% of employees felt more satisfied with their company after a lactation support program was implemented.
Safe Storage and Preparation Guidelines
Proper handling of breast milk is also vital for infant safety. The CDC recommends that freshly expressed milk can be stored at room temperature for up to four hours or in the refrigerator for up to four days.
For long-term storage, milk can be frozen for approximately six months, though up to 12 months is acceptable. The CDC advises that milk should never be thawed in a microwave, as this can create hot spots that may burn a baby's mouth or destroy essential nutrients.
