K-State Research and Extension Shawnee County

Baby's First Food--Breastfeeding Resources

The cleanest, safest food for an infant, especially in disasters or emergencies, is breast milk.

International Symbol for Breastfeeding Image

        • It is the best nutrition for your baby.
        • It is readily available.
        • It is protects against diseases, especially diarrhea and respiratory infections.
        • It is the right temperature.
        • It helps you relieve stress and anxiety.

Topeka Breastfeeding Coalition

Topeka Breastfeeding Coalition Logo

Like our Facebook page: Topeka Breastfeeding Coalition

We now have a website: Topeka Breastfeeding Coalition-- https://www.topekabreastfeedingcoalition.com/

To promote, protect, and support breastfeeding in Topeka and surrounding areas. To serve as a resource for accurate breastfeeding information to the community.

Interested in becoming a member? Email topekabreastfeeding@gmail.com

The 2022 State of Breastfeeding in Kansas is now available. Click on image. (pdf) State of Breastfeeding in Kansas

Breastfeeding Resources and Support

  • Breast Beginnings for Best Beginnings, Kathy Hortenstine, RN, IBCLC, private in-home lactation support, krhortenstine@gmail.com
  • Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP): 785-232-0062, x119 or ansdb24@ksu.edu
  • La Leche League of Topeka: 785-256-0260, LLLTopeka@gmail.com, lltopeka.org Call or visit the website for updates on discussion or play groups
  • Shawnee County Health Department--Women, Infants and Children Program, 2600 SW East Circle Drive, Topeka, KS 66606, 785-251-5607
  • Stormont Vail Health--The Breastfeeding Center: 1500 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604, 785-354-6000
  • Topeka Doula Project, topekadoula.org, (785) 380-7899
  • University of Kansas Health System--St. Francis Campus: First Days Clinic, 1700 SW 7th Ave, Topeka, KS 66606, 785-270-5072

 

Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (website)

Supporting breastfeeding today for a healthier Kansas tomorrow.

Guidelines for a Breastfeeding Friendly Food Pantry (pdf)

Oh Baby Shawnee County Resource Guide for Mothers and Families (pdf)

Handling Breastmilk Safely link to order or download pdf

Usando la Leche Materna de Manera Segura (Spanish: Using Breast Milk Safely) link to order or download pdf

 

What is an IBCLC?
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are the experts on breastfeeding and lactation care, and play a vital role on the maternal-child health team. They provide care in a variety of settings, while making appropriate referrals to other health professionals and community support resources. Working together with mothers, families, policymakers and society, IBCLC credentialed providers lead the way in policy and system changes that support breastfeeding and help reduce the risks of not breastfeeding. Here is Shawnee County, IBCLCs work at both hospitals and at WIC at the Shawnee County Health Department.