DHHS's Maternal Child & Adolescent Health (MCAH) program coordinates the Perinatal Community Coalition (PCC) bringing community members, OB practitioners and other service providers together to discuss health outcomes, provide education, strategize care coordination, identify gaps in services and strengthen relationships regarding the perinatal population.
Members of the PCC include lactation consultants, health care providers, nurses, doulas, peer counselors and parents. For more information, or to get involved with the Breastfeeding Work Group, please contact 707-445-6210 or via email at MCAH@co.humboldt.ca.us.
MCAH Policy on Breastfeeding and Substance Use
MCAH and the PCC Breastfeeding Work Group strongly encourage breastfeeding as the best possible nutrition for babies.
We advise all parents to avoid the use of any substances during breastfeeding including alcohol, cannabis, tobacco or street drugs and to avoid over the counter or prescription medications unless prescribed by their physician. Breastfeeding parents should discuss all prescribed medications with their physicians and their baby’s medical providers.
Evidence shows that substances ingested by the breastfeeding parent can be passed on to their child through breast milk.