Program supports breastfeeding.
OR
There are proven health benefits and development advantages associated with breastfeeding. Programs should support mothers who desire to provide breast milk for their children.
Developed by: NYS Department of Health Obesity Prevention in Child Care Partnership
Sandra Rhoades, NYS Department of Health
Sara Bonam Welge, NYS Department of Health
Patricia Persell, NYS Head Start Collaboration Project
Amanda Root, Cornell Cooperative Extension Service
I. Why should early care and education programs support breastfed babies?
Since a breastfed baby is not sick as much, the rest of the children in care will not be sick as often. Breastfed babies are easier to care for because they are less prone to spitting up and are less likely to have constipation or diarrhea. In addition, diapers are not as smelly. Breastfeeding helps early care and education programs financially because meals with breast milk are fully reimbursed by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Currently, the amount of reimbursement is $5 per day for each infant, when expressed breast milk is fed to the infant by a caregiver.
The New York State Department of Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Surgeon General recommend exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of infancy and continued breastfeeding for a year, or as long as mutually desired by mother and infant, for maximum health benefits. This period extends far beyond the time when most mothers return to work or school, which puts the early care and education programs in a perfect position to support breastfeeding.
II. Why is it important for infants to be breastfed?
Breastfed infants are healthier and less likely to develop diseases such as diabetes, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and childhood leukemia. Breastfed babies have fewer infections during their first year of life and are less likely to become obese later on in life. Breast milk provides the right balance of nutrients to help babies grow and develop. The fat and proteins in breast milk are optimal for babies\' brain development.
III. Why should I support breastfeeding mothers in my program?
Early care and education programs are in a unique position to promote, support and protect breastfeeding mothers because they are in the business of caring for and feeding infants. There are State and Federal laws that require employers to support breastfeeding mothers when they return to work. Research shows that breastfeeding rates drop when moms do return to work or school. Therefore, women who choose to continue breastfeeding after returning to work need their caregiver\'s support. Moms who have support from their provider are more likely to breastfeed longer.
IV. How will families know my program supports breastfeeding?
One way to show your support is to become a Breastfeeding Friendly child care center or day care home. The Breastfeeding Friendly designation can be used to market, or advertise, you early care and education program. Your program will be included on a list on a list of Breastfeeding Friendly child care centers or homes in the Child Care Resource and Referral database used to match child care needs of parents with caregivers.
V. How can my early care and education program become Breastfeeding Friendly?
Early care and education programs that participate in CACFP can get the Breastfeeding Friendly designation by completing a self-assessment, usually after attending a training session on how to support breastfed babies and moms in child care. Center-based programs can get a Breastfeeding Friendly certificate and window cling directly from CACFP. Home-based providers will go through their CACFP sponsor to receive the certificate and window cling.
CACFP Website
Source:
Office of Children and Family Services
Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care
Source:
New York State Department of Health
Department of Health CACFP Sample Breastfeeding Policy
Source:
New York State Department of Health
La Leche League International
"Our Mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother."
Source:
NYS Breastfeeding Promotion Program, Protection and Support
Contains many different forms of information for mothers and families about breastfeeding. Includes links to audio and video.
Source:
American Academy of Pediatrics Breastfeeding Webpage
This is the section of their website that covers breastfeeding.
Source:
American Academy of Pediatrics
DOH CACFP Breastfeeding Friendly Trainings Flyer for Day Care Centers
Source:
New York State Department of Health