Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is good for both you and your baby. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As your baby grows, your breast milk will change to meet his or her nutritional needs. Breastfeeding can also help protect you and your baby against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.Mother Breastfeeding Baby Opens in new window 

Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, severe lower respiratory disease, acute otitis media (ear infections), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and gastrointestinal infections. Mothers who breastfeed their babies have a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding while introducing appropriate complementary foods for 1 year or longer. 

For more information about breastfeeding, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or the World Health Organization (WHO).

View the Benton County Breastfeeding Resource List


In need of Breastfeeding education or support? Fill out our Breastfeeding Referral form and a Certified Lactation Counselor or IBCLC will be in touch! 


Baby Café

Benton County Public Health has partnered with other local health departments and health care to host local Baby Cafés in the area. Baby Café offers information and support to mothers at any stage in breastfeeding. You do not need to have a breastfeeding problem to attend; many women come just to socialize with other moms going though breastfeeding. Pregnant women are welcome to attend as well to learn more about breastfeeding or have questions answered.

St. Cloud YMCA  - Baby Café is every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. at the YMCA – 2001 Stockinger Dr, St. Cloud MN 56303 (Conference Room A)

Fairview Hospital, Princeton - Baby Cafe is every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Princeton Fairview Hospital

Baby Café is a drop-in service to help you reach your breastfeeding goals. There will be refreshments and snacks available for you to enjoy as you visit with trained breastfeeding health professionals and other mothers. A scale is available to weigh your baby as well as breastfeeding resources and information for you to take home. 

There is no cost and no registration required to participate - just come as you are! 

  1. Pregnancy
  2. Postpartum
  3. Back to Work, School & Beyond
  4. Anytime, Anywhere Initiative
  5. Benton County Breastfeeding Rooms

Learn about breastfeeding online (during your pregnancy):Outline Photo of Pregnant Woman Opens in new window

Attend a breastfeeding class: