“World Breastfeeding Week” Calls for Greater Workplace Accommodations

BCHD’s Women, Infant and Children’s Program Highlights Benefits of Breastfeeding As Healthy Start in Life with Business Recognition & Grand Baby Shower

BALTIMORE, MD (August 4, 2015) – As part of “World Breastfeeding Week,” the Baltimore City Health Department’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is hosting several events this week to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding. Included are a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Award Ceremony—recognition to local businesses that make special accommodations for breastfeeding employees—and the “Fifth Annual Grand Baby Shower” for pregnant and breastfeeding moms enrolled in the WIC program.

“Research shows that there is no better food than breast milk for a baby’s first year of life,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen.  “It is an infant’s natural immunization that protects them against common childhood illnesses and infections. Breast milk has also been shown to lower the risk of infant mortality, as well as strengthen the emotional bond between mother and child.”

On Friday, August 7 at 1:30 p.m., the Harford Road WIC clinic (5610 Harford Rd.), will be hosting a “learning” Baby Shower for WIC mothers and their families to promote and support breastfeeding in the communities.  The event includes remarks by Health Commissioner Dr. Wen, special guests, breastfeeding and infant care workshops, give-away items, learning games, prizes and raffles.

Today, Dr. Wen also recognized four Baltimore businesses: Bais Yaakov Early Learning Center, City Neighbors High School, CRDN (a division of Schroedl Dry Cleaners), and L.I.F.E.  Inc. with city proclamations for their dedication to being a “Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace.”  These businesses were chosen because they have supported accommodations for women to breastfeed at work, including providing pumping space, clean refrigerator units for milk, and time for pumping.

This year’s national World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Breastfeeding and Work: Let’s Make it Work!” is a call to action to support and encourage women to combine breastfeeding and work.  In response, Baltimore has implemented a Workplace Lactation program to help city employees who want to continue their breastfeeding efforts.  The program allows for employees to arrange with their supervisor comfortable accommodations for pumping, access to breastfeeding education, and employer support.  Studies shows employees who have workplace support tend to breastfeed longer, have good morale, and fewer absences.  This year, approximately 50% of Baltimore WIC participants initiated breastfeeding upon delivery.

“We know more women will start and continue breastfeeding longer if pumping accommodations are made available on the job,” added Dr. Wen.  “That is why it is so important for the city to work with employers, parents, and expecting parents to ensure we promote breastfeeding as a healthy start in life.”

One of the foremost goals of Baltimore’s WIC program is to improve the nutritional status of its clients.  The program provides support for breastfeeding by providing counseling and educational materials, offering healthy food packages, and distributing breastfeeding aids such as breast pumps and nursing bras. In addition, “Mom to Mom” support teams consisting of certified lactation staff provide counseling and one- on-one assistance to breastfeeding mothers.

“The birth of a child is an exciting time for a family and choosing how to feed a new baby is one of one of the most important decisions parents will make,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.   “Baltimore’s WIC program is an essential component, helping clients meet their breastfeeding goals, and fostering a healthier next generation.”