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1. Is formula just as good for my baby as breast milk?

Breast milk is a living food that provide immunities against disease (e.g. if you got the flu shot - so did your nursing baby, without the shot!), provides essential substances that a human baby needs (not a calf) and cannot be replicated in a laboratory, and changes as the baby grows depending on her / his needs.

But breastfeeding is much more than just a way to feed your baby since it provides a stronger bond between you and your baby, burns calories to get your shape back, releases hormones that relax you and much more.

2. Will my baby be too dependent if I breastfeed?

Your baby may actually show greater independence since his / her needs are being met.

3. Will breastfeeding take all my time?

With breastfeeding there is no bottle to prepare, so you may actually end up with more time if you are the 1 preparing the bottles. Plus, you will be able to stop whatever you are doing and rest while baby is breastfeeding. Think of it as nature’s way to help you slow down and breathe.

4. My mother didn't have enough milk, does that mean I won't either?

As long as you are well hydrated and nourished, you will produce the amount of milk the baby needs. The experience of your mother will not affect how much milk you produce. Since the 1930s, mothers have not received a lot of support for breastfeeding and were even given the ill-advice to not breastfeed; this unsupportive culture likely affected how successful she was with breastfeeding.

5. If I breastfeed, does that mean I won't be able to eat whatever I want?

Breastfed babies generally tolerate whatever foods the mother consumes unless there is an allergy or intolerance to a certain food. You should stay well-nourished and hydrated for optimal energy and milk production. As in the womb, your baby is learning about new flavors as she breastfeeds and this experience will help shape food preferences and acceptance as she begins solid foods.

6. If I deliver by cesarean birth, will I still be able to breastfeed?

How you deliver your baby should have no affect on your ability to breastfeed. Be sure to let hospital staff know that you are breastfeeding.

7. Will breastfeeding drain me of all of my energy?

Parenting can be tiring no matter what, however, when you are breastfeeding your baby, you are able to rest and sometimes sleep while reclined or lying down with your baby, providing a much-earned rest time. Breastfeeding hormones also help you to feel more relaxed. Have healthy snacks and interesting books on hand so that you can read and snack while baby is feeding and sleeping.

8. Will I lose my figure and get sagging breasts if I breastfeed?

Pregnancy and aging are what contribute the most to sagging breasts, not breastfeeding. Breastfeeding helps mothers get back to their prepregnancy weight faster.

9. My mother and partner want to help me take care of the baby, but if I’m breastfeeding what will they do?

Lots! Feeding your baby is not the only way to help! Here is a list of ways a partner, mother, friend, etc. can help a new mother: prepare meals and healthy snacks (feed mom!), throw in a load of laundry; burp baby; rock baby; walk baby; talk and read to baby; play with baby; change baby’s diaper; give baby a bath, bring baby to mom when hungry, visit mom, babysit while mom gets coffee with a friend, etc.

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1. How do I find child care for my baby?

Conduct an online search at Child Care Aware: http://www.ercrefer.org

2. How do I become a licensed in-home child care provider?

The first step is to attend an orientation training at the Health Department. The purpose of the training is to review and discuss regulations and procedures. See Training for Child Care Providers

3. Does everyone who cares for children in their home need to be licensed?

Licensure is required if you:
• care for 1 unrelated child more than 20 hours per week
• care for 2 unrelated children more than 20 combined hrs per week
• care for more than 2 unrelated children

4. Are there any minimum requirements for being a licensed in-home child care provider?

The minimum requirements are:
• have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• outdoor play space at your home
• 2 exits on the main level of your home

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1. How do I become a licensed in-home child care provider?

The first step is to attend an orientation training at the Health Department. The purpose of the training is to review and discuss regulations and procedures.

2. Does everyone who cares for children in their home need to be licensed?

Licensure is required if you:
• care for 1 unrelated child more than 20 hours per week
• care for 2 unrelated children more than 20 combined hrs per week
• care for more than 2 unrelated children

3. Are there any minimum requirements for being a licensed in-home child care provider?

The minimum requirements are:
• have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• outdoor play space at your home
• 2 exits on the main level of your home

4. What are the required trainings?

Within 30 days of submitting your application for a license, complete the following requirements for initial professional development training:

• at least two hours in Safe Sleep Practices and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• at least two hours in Basic Child Development
• at least two hours in Recognizing the Signs of Child Abuse or Neglect (must include prevention of head trauma)
• certifications in Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

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1. What are the fees for Family Planning services?

Sliding scale payment is available for family planning services. Please call the Health Department at 785-843-0721 or for more contact options, please visit our Contact page.

2. Do I need to make an appointment for a Family Planning service?

Yes. Please call 785-843-0721 to schedule an appointment.

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1. What are your hours for immunizations?

Immunizations are available when the clinic is open. No appointment is necessary. For clinic hours, please visit our Immunizations page.

2. Do I need to bring my immunization records?

Yes, please bring your immunization record with you, if available.

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1. What is the mission of the Health Department?

Our mission is to advance policies, practices and programs that promote health for all, prevent disease and protect the environment.

2. Where are you located?

The Health Department is located in the Community Health Facility at 200 Maine Street in Lawrence, Kansas. For directions, please reference this online map.

3. Do I need an appointment?

Many Health Department services are available on a walk-in basis. Please call 785-843-0721 to see if an appointment is needed.

4. Who can use the Health Department services?

Health Department services are available to all individuals in Douglas County. Please call 785-843-0721 for more information.

5. I have a health question, who can I contact?

Please call 785-843-0721 with your health question, or contact a nurse.

6. Who do I contact if I have concerns about the sanitation conditions of a restaurant or food establishment?

Contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture at 785-296-5600 with any concerns regarding sanitation conditions at a Douglas County restaurant or food establishment. You can also visit the KDA’s food safety website to fill out an online complaint form.

7. I’m sick and I think it’s because of food poisoning. Who do I need to contact?

If you suspect you have food poisoning, contact a Communicable Disease Nurse at 785-843-0721.

8. I would like to start a food business in Douglas County. Who should I contact?

See the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s website for more info: Kansas Department of Agriculture

9. Are your services confidential?

Maintaining client privacy and the confidentiality of your health information is very important to us. For more information, please review our HIPAA documents.

10. Do you provide interpreting services?

Yes. If an interpreter is needed, please let us know prior to coming in for services so we can make arrangements. In some cases, the Health Department may offer interpretation through a telephone service rather than using a person on-site. Please call 785-843-0721 for more information.

11. How can I apply for state-assisted health insurance?

Call KanCare Consumer Assistance at 866-305-5147 for more information, or visit their website.

12. Do you see ill people?

The Health Department offers preventative services. We do not provide illness care. Please call 785-843-0721 for more information.

13. Do you offer sport physicals or physicals for summer school/camp?

We do not provide sport physicals. You should call your family physician or health care provider. Please call 785-843-0721 for more information.

14. My child just needs a hearing screening do you offer that?

No. In Lawrence, you can call Lawrence Early Childhood Special Services (USD 497) at 785-832-5098.

In Eudora, you can call the school nurse at 785-542-4960.

In Baldwin City, you can call the school nurse for the junior high and high school at 785-594-2448 and the elementary school nurse at 785-594-7425.

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1. Does it cost to participate in Healthy Families Douglas County?

No. These services are free of charge.

2. Can I get help in applying for pregnancy insurance?

Yes. We can help you apply for KanCare pregnancy coverage or inform you about other prenatal care options if you do not qualify for KanCare insurance.

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1. I am looking for a particular service, such as meal delivery, transportation or home health care. Does Project LIVELY provide these type(s) of services?

Project LIVELY provides care coordination that assists clients in connecting to these various resources.

2. What types of services can Project LIVELY connect me to?

Some of the services Project LIVELY can link clients to are: housing, insurance, meals, medical services, personal care, transportation, home maintenance, advanced directives, financial assistance, and assisted living and nursing home options. The program will work to meet any individual need. Call 785-856-5353 for more information.

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1. How long does it take to get all other STD results back?

It takes approximately 7 to 10 days to receive all other STD results. Clients can call the Health Department at 785-843-0721 for their results.

2. How long does it take to get HIV results?

It typically takes 5-7 days to receive results from state lab.

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1. How long does it take to get my Tuberculosis (TB) test results?

In 2 to 3 days, the client returns to the Health Department to get their test results. If the skin test or blood test is positive the client will be given additional tests, such as a chest x-ray, to determine if he or she has latent TB infection or TB disease.

2. How much does a Tuberculosis (TB) test cost?

The fee for a Tuberculosis (TB) skin test is $20. TB skin tests are administered at the Health Department every day of the week except Thursdays. Blood testing for TB screening also is available at a cost of $71. The blood test is primarily recommended for anyone born in a foreign country or who has received BCG vaccination.

In 2019, there is currently a shortage of TB skin testing material. Clients who need TB testing will be screened for health and job risks to determine which test is recommended during the shortage. This may include a screening form only until the shortage is resolved.

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1. What is the fee for child health assessments?

Sliding scale payments are available. Please call 785-843-0721 for more information.

2. What are the hours for child health assessments?

Child health assessments are by appointment only. Please call the Health Department at 785-843-0721 to schedule an appointment.

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1. What information do I need to bring to my appointment?

For a list of items to bring with you to your WIC appointment, please visit the Kansas WIC Program website.

2. How do I apply for WIC?

Please call 785-856-5350 to schedule an appointment to sign up for WIC.

3. Can I receive WIC benefits if I am receiving food stamps?

Yes, you and your family can receive both WIC benefits and food stamps through the Kansas Food Assistance Program.

4. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to receive WIC?

You are not required to be a U.S. citizen to receive WIC benefits.

5. What foods are included in the WIC food package?

For a complete list of foods provided by WIC, please visit the Kansas WIC Program website.

6. What are the fees for WIC?

None, but subject to eligibility.

7. Do I need to make an appointment for WIC services?

Yes. Please call 785-856-5350 to schedule an appointment.