RPC’s Breastfeeding=Friendly Privacy Nook
We know that breastfeeding provides the healthiest start for infants. We also understand that children routinely cared for by someone other than parents are less likely to be breastfed. That’s why Randolph Partnership for Children (RPC) helps to support workplaces and child care centers in their efforts to provide support and encouragement for breastfeeding mothers. We want to ensure mothers of infants don’t have to sacrifice breastfeeding–the best nutritional option for a healthy start to life–to be able to continue to work.
RPC’s early childhood health and wellness specialist, Patty Sullivan, works with child care centers and the community to promote breastfeeding-friendly spaces for working mothers. She also led the effort to convert space at our office and write new policy that supports breastfeeding staff and visitors.
On June 11, Patty was interviewed during the Mommy Matters segment of the WGHP Fox 8 Morning News to talk about why ensuring breastfeeding-friendly environments for working mothers is important and how to get started.
Patty Sullivan on the Fox 8 Morning News
A business or company that wants to ensure it is supportive of breastfeeding mothers can work toward a Breastfeeding Friendly Business and Workplace Designations, which are both sponsored by the NC Breastfeeding Coalition.
For the “Business” designation, minimum requirements include:
- The business do not advertise infant formula or related products
- Breastfeeding mothers are always welcome and respected
- Breastfeeding mothers are never treated poorly or asked to stop breastfeeding, cover up, or move
For the “Workplace” designation, minimum requirements include:
- The workplace does not advertise infant formula or related products
- All lactating employees are allowed breaks to express milk or nurse their babies
- All lactating employees have access to a private space that is lockable and shielded from view, includes access to an electrical outlet, and has a hand-hygiene station nearby
The Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute (CGBI) at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health created the Ten Steps to Breastfeeding-Friendly Child Care, which also provides excellent guidance for child care centers and all workplaces that endeavor to support breastfeeding mothers.
For more information, contact Patty Sullivan.
