Breastfeeding can be the best choice for your entire family.

Ste. Genevieve County Health Department has a breastfeeding peer counselor on staff to help with any questions or concerns you may have while pregnant and is there to help after the baby is born as well.

Jessica Crepps, our professional Peer Counselor, will make hospital and home visits when baby arrives to ensure your breastfeeding experience goes as problems-free as possible.

Crepps, a breastfeeding mother herself, has exclusively breastfed (no formula) her two children, now ages two and four.  She knows the joys and troubles of breastfeeding because she has lived through them.

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for the baby that include: higher IQ scores, lower risk of obesity in childhood and adulthood, reduced risk of SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, reduced risk of certain childhood cancers and juvenile onset diabetes, decreased incidence and severity of allergies and less ear, nose and throat infections.

The decision to nurse your baby also has great benefits for the mother: Reduced risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer, reduced risk of osteoporosis, faster recovery after childbirth due to decreased postpartum bleeding, less depression and a quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight.

Breastfeeding benefits for the family are endless.

The family benefits by saving several hundred dollars when the cost of breastfeeding is compared to using artificial formula.

Employers benefit because mothers who breastfeed have reduced absenteeism and take fewer sick days.

Breastfed babies are sick less, therefore, spending less money at doctor visits, prescriptions and hospitalizations.

Breastfeeding is convenient because breast milk is always available at the right temperature and requires no mixing.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year of life. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for at least the first two years of life.

Ste. Genevieve County Health Department’s breastfeeding Peer Counselor is available by cell phone 24 hours, 7 days a week. We understand  life happens after business hours.

Contact her at 573-535-8725 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.