Show/Hide

Missoula City-County Health Department COVID-19 Information

Joint Information Center: Community COVID-19 Information and Resources

Rule requiring masks or face coverings in Missoula County

Missoula County phones: Missoula County continues to experience a high volume of calls. You may get a busy signal or experience long hold times when you call. Staff are working on solutions to decrease wait times. You may be able to find what you need at www.missoulacounty.us/directory/help. Thank you for your patience.

 


Weekly Support Group for New Mothers

 Missoula Baby Bistro

Meets Wednesdays 11-12:30 at the Missoula Food Bank-1720 Wyoming Street

Why is breastfeeding important?

Breast milk is the perfect starter food for babies!

  • It's the perfect balance of fatty acids, lactose, water and protein for a baby's digestion, brain development and growth.
  • It's free.
  • There's a continual supply.
  • It's always at the perfect temperature.
  • There are no bottles to clean and fill.
  • Breast milk contains antibodies from the mother that can protect infants from infection.

Mothers who breastfeed:

  • Burn more calories, which makes it easier for them to return to their pre-pregnancy weight.
  • Have lower rates of certain breast and ovarian cancers later in life.
  • Save money - no formula to buy.
  • Save time - no formula to mix or bottle.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively with no baby formula or added foods or beverages for the first six months.

WIC & Home Visiting Supports Breastfeeding

The WIC program and Home Visiting Programs provides breastfeeding information, support and counseling to mothers during pregnancy. After delivery, WIC and Home Visiting staff continue to assist mothers and babies to successfully breastfeed through the first months of her life.

Most mothers in our community return to work or school soon after their babies are born.  Most mothers know the benefits of breast milk for their baby and themselves, and want to offer the est for their baby. With the help of a breast pump, moms can have an easier time continuing to breastfeed their baby after returning to work.

Questions and Concerns?

Certified lactation specialists are available at the Health Department or for Home Visits, Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information or for answers to your questions related to breastfeeding, please call: (406) 207-4357.

Resources on Breastfeeding

Montana Breastfeeding Laws

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Flash Player Windows Media Player Microsoft Silverlight Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer