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Family Child Health Services
Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department Services and activities in this program are intended to strengthen and preserve the health of individuals and families in Rice County. The focus is on support, prevention, and education to promote and maintain a high level of wellness.
Parent/Child health
Parents and children can benefit from the following services available through Rice County Public Health. Refer yourself or a client.
- Baby Stop (English) - free support group for families and their newborn from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Thursdays in Faribault.
- Baby Stop (Spanish)
- Baby Stop (Somali)
- Baby Talk - free support group for families and their newborn from 10:30 a.m.-noon in Northfield. (Virtual and in person)
- Breastfeeding support - Certified lactation counselors available to help prenatally and/or postpartum.
- Car Seat Safety Information - Visit www.safekids.org/ultimate-car-seat-guide. Anyone with questions about installing a car seat should call Rice County Public Health at 507-332-6111.
- Family Planning Special Project
- Help Me Connect - Find resources to support child development and family well-being.
- Home Visits to Support Families
- Infant Follow-Along Program (Enroll Here)
- Information on Parenting, Child Development, Health Concerns, and Nutrition
- Pregnancy Testing
- Pregnancy Support
- Postpartum Support
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) Testing
- Resource List for families with young children
- Rice County food assistance programs and services
Breastfeeding-friendly Health Department
Rice County Public Health is recognized by the Minnesota Department of Health as a Breastfeeding-Friendly Health Department at the "gold level."
The designation was earned in 2017 after completing the 10-step framework for agencies seeking to strengthen their ability to promote and support breastfeeding. Breastfeeding provides the best possible nutrition for baby, and mothers often need good information and support to get started and to keep going. Studies show that infants who are breastfed have better health outcomes as they grow.