The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services promotes, supports, and protects breastfeeding as the perfect food for your baby, having all the essential nutrients and sufficient calories to meet your infant’s needs. Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits to mothers, infants, the environment, and the communities of Missouri. Accordingly, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six (6) months after birth, and the continuation of breastfeeding through the first year of life and beyond.

Every baby deserves to be breastfed