SHIP supports Breastfeeding Friendly Workplaces

Healthy Northland awarded six mini-grants to make breastfeeding easier for employees.

Six businesses made improvements by adding or updating lactation rooms, a designated space for women to pump and express milk privately during work. Many of the sites also implemented new breastfeeding policies to support mothers and expanded support and education for employees around breastfeeding. The awardees are:

• Aitkin County
• Arrowhead Regional Development Commission
• Cook County Schools ISD 166
• KOOTASCA Community Action
• Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative
• Welcov Healthcare Evergreen Terrace

Research shows that lactation support at work can lower medical costs for employees and their children, reduce turnover rates, lower absenteeism rates, improve productivity and raise employee morale and loyalty to the company (“The Business Case for Breastfeeding,” www.womenshealth.gov).

“Women who return to work often find it difficult to meet their breastfeeding goals,” said Pam Galle, IBCLC, breastfeeding coordinator at Healthy Northland. “By creating breastfeeding friendly spaces and policies to support employees returning to work after having a new baby, these businesses are providing family friendly environments. I am excited to see so much enthusiasm and energy by businesses around supporting breastfeeding families.”

Healthy Northland’s breastfeeding work is supported by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, Minnesota Department of Health.

Photos, top to bottom: Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, Aitkin County Road & Bridge Department, Lincoln Park Childrens and Families Collaborative.