The Orange County Health Department received the Mother-Baby Award for Outpatient Healthcare Clinics from the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition.

This competitive award has recognized the health department as one of the best support programs for breastfeeding families in North Carolina. Orange County Health Department’s Public Information Officer Stacy Shelp said this has been an ongoing effort from the department.

“It is a recognition we are amazingly proud of. We have been working a long time to be a breastfeeding friendly facility and encourage other county departments to be that as well,” Shelp said.

The Orange County Health Department actively supports breastfeeding families and provides a variety of services to educate and encourage women to breastfeed.

“We do have prenatal services, as well as, newborn services, and a nutritionist/dietician on staff that can work with that new mom or soon-to-be mom on their nutritional diets and prepping for the birth of that baby, and that team of lactation consultants and home visiting services are fantastic,” Shelp said. “So we have a full variety of services we can offer, as well as, an actual nursing and breastfeeding room in our facilities.”

Shelp said she hopes the community continues to advocate the education for breastfeeding mothers.

“I think the more that we can make breastfeeding normal and support moms out in the community, the better it will be as these children are raised in a healthier way with stronger immune systems and a better bond with their parents,” Shelp said. “The more we can do that the better. I am just so thrilled that the Health Department and the Board of Health and our communities and hospitals are all seeing the benefit and the need for this. They have all done their own part to make Orange County and our communities supportive for moms.”

Learn more about the services provided on the Health Department’s website.

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