LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – August is National Breastfeeding Month, and in honor of that fact employers are being encouraged to make their workplaces “breastfeeding friendly.”

Breastfeeding is considered to be the “gold standard” for infant feeding for both mother and baby.

Breastfed babies are healthier for a lifetime. Breastfeeding mothers get more sleep and miss less work than mothers whose babies drink formula. Breastfeeding should be supported and promoted in every workplace and every child care facility.

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor amended the Fair Labor Act to include a provision to support breastfeeding. The act now requires that employers provide nursing mothers “reasonable break time” and an appropriate place to express breast milk for their nursing infants.

Supportive employers can educate their staff about state and federal breastfeeding laws. They can allow breastfeeding mothers to flex their schedules, coming to work earlier or staying later to make up for their longer breaks.

Employers can develop policies that allow babies to be brought to the work site to breastfeed during mother’s lunch break.

What does a “breastfeeding friendly” work site look like? There would definitely be a private place with a comfy chair and a table to make it relaxing for mothers to breastfeed their babies or pump during their work breaks. How about a place to store expressed milk. Is there a lobby or another place open to the public? If so, look for a notice proclaiming “Breastfeeding Welcome Here”

There are plenty of opportunities for childcare facilities to promote breastfeeding. Try hanging posters throughout your facility that show you support breastfeeding.

Be sure there is a “breastfeeding welcome here” sign on the front door or highly visible in the lobby.

Develop policies that support breastfeeding mothers and babies at your facility. Ask parents if there are any special directions for feeding breast milk to their baby.

Childcare facilities should encourage mothers to breastfeed on site when dropping off and picking up their children. As these mothers breastfeed, they give their babies immunities specific to germs that are present that very day at your facility.

Offer a variety of places for mothers to nurse. Some women prefer a private place to nurse. Other moms are comfortable nursing in public and should have the opportunity to do so. Remind mothers that they can stop in during the day to nurse their children.

California is a great place to live and to breastfeed. The state law in California supports every mother’s right to breastfeed in any public space including schools, bus stops, waiting areas, auditoriums, public transport, parks, pools, shopping malls, etc.

U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin acknowledges “Many barriers exist for mothers who want to breastfeed … They shouldn’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re a clinician, a family member, a friend, or an employer, you can play an important part in helping mothers who want to breastfeed.”

E Center WIC in Lake County has six lactation counselors available to answer questions about breastfeeding. Call E Center WIC for your free “breastfeeding welcome here” stickers at 707-263-5253.

For more information about creating a breastfeeding friendly work site, www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/programs/business-case/.