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Breastfeeding friendly designated childcare centers

Posted at 1:32 PM, Jun 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-22 17:20:46-04

The Winnebago County Health Department recognized Arts for Kids Childcare and Davis Childcare Center for being the first childcare centers to be designated as "Breastfeeding Friendly".

To earn the designation the centers had to establish a "supportive brestfeeding environment". That includes a private, comfortable area for breastfeeding mothers to nurse or pump, adopt policies that support breastfeeding moms and the center's staff is trained in how to handle breast milk.

The Winnebago County Health Department says this is important because 84% of pregnant mothers plan to breastfeed after delivery, but upon returning to work many mothers stop breastfeeding. Creating environments that make it easier for mothers to continue breastfeeding will help them continue long after they return to work.

Breastfeeding provides long-lasting health benefits for mothers and babies such as protection from infections and chronic diseases and lowering a baby's risk of obesity and SIDS.

The Health Department says by enrolling infants in a designated breasfeeding friendly child care center, mothers can return to work without worrying about whether or not to continue breasfeeding. Instead, mothers are able to develop a meaningful relationship with well-trained, confident staff that are equipped with the tools to support their breastfeeding decision.

“The WCHD is dedicated to this work because these critical changes help to normalize and encourage breastfeeding in our community. We have experts on staff to help moms that are breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding get answers and support.” says Allison Laverty Montag, International Board Certified 
Lactation Consultant and WIC peer counselor at Winnebago County Health Department.
 
The Winnebago County Health Department would like to see all child care centers in Winnebago County be designated “Breastfeeding Friendly”.
 
The Winnebago County Health Department is excited to offer assistance to other centers that wish to become breastfeeding friendly. For more information call Winnebago County Health Department at (920) 232-3000, or email them at health@co.winnebago.wi.us.
 
You can also check out their website www.co.winnebago.wi.us/health. Look for the “Ten Steps to Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Centers” Resource Kit.