Fayette County Health Department has Certified Lactation Counselors and Breastfeeding Peer Counselor on staff to assist you with your breastfeeding choice. We are here to provide support and to answer your questions. We can also help prevent and solve breastfeeding problems.

Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC)

Fayette County Health Department currently has two Certified Lactation counselors (CLC) on staff.

CLCs are specialists in lactation counseling who have successfully passed an examination based on identified work-place competencies.

The CLC credential signifies that the holder has demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide breastfeeding counseling and management support to families who are thinking about breastfeeding or who have questions or problems during the course of breastfeeding/lactation. CLCs are dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation in their work to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems.

There may be times when a mother may need extra one on one guidance with breastfeeding. Meeting with a lactation specialist may help to relieve concerns and discomforts, as well as help establish proper nursing techniques.

What is a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor?

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.

Breastfeeding peer counselors help new mothers who are beginning to breastfeed learn what to expect in the first days and weeks. They are available during and after business hours to answer any questions or concerns new moms may have.

Peer Counselors are here to encourage and to educate-but more importantly-they are here to connect with new moms, like you, in a special way, for a very good reason -- to help you and your baby.

Breast Pump Distribution Program

Promoting and supporting breastfeeding are important components to a successful breastfeeding experience. Therefore, to better facilitate breastfeeding in Fayette County, the Fayette County WIC program is offering electric breast pumps to eligible WIC clients. The ultimate goal of the Breast Pump Distribution Program is to support longer duration of breastfeeding among working women or women going back to school.

We also may be able to offer double-electric breast pumps to those with insurance and / or Medicaid.

In addition, we have a Lactina Breast Pump for rent to breastfeeding women in our community.

Maternity Support Belts

In addition to our breast pumps, we are able to offer pregnant women maternity support belts. Support belts are highly recommended by doctors to provide abdominal support to reduce lower back pain. They are ideal for women carrying multiples. They help reduce stretch marks and are adjustable through different sizes of pregnancy. Available in sizes S-3XL (30-64").

Most insurances, including Medicaid, will cover the support belt. Call for more information on how to obtain a support belt.

Postpartum Care System

A postpartum binder can also be requested through FCHD. This care system helps to manage pain, swelling, pressure, and bleeding following delivery. Helps to increase mobility and decrease pain and narcotic use and also reduce stretch marks. The care system includes 2 ice packs with a pocket to hold them in place, as well as straps to hold a pad. The postpartum binder is ideal for vaginal births but has been found to be helpful after C-sections also. Available in sizes XS-4XL (26-64").

Most insurances, including Medicaid, will cover the support belt. Call for more information on how to obtain a postpartum care system.

More Information

By having our peer counselors to talk and share with, new mothers become more confident and comfortable with learning to breastfeed.

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Call: 618.283.5037 or 618.283.1044