Breastfeeding

RESOURCES FOR BREASTFEEDING

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) encourages new mothers to breastfeed their babies. The Child and Adult Care Food Program helps child care homes support breastfeeding families.

MAKE YOUR CENTER BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY

New York State Department of Health encourages new mothers to breastfeed their infants for the first year. Child care providers can play an important role by supporting breastfeeding when mothers return to work or school. DOH has developed standards for centers to follow that will assist them in providing this support to mothers. Centers that meet these standards will be designated as Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Centers and listed on the DOH website.

Why should your center support breastfeeding?

· Breastfeeding helps children.
It protects them from infections and delays the development of allergies.
Breastfeeding promotes a close bond between mother and baby.
Breastfed babies are easier to care for because they are less prone to spitting up and when they do, breast milk does not stain clothing. In addition, diapers have less odor. Breastfed babies are sick less often and are less likely to have constipation or diarrhea.
Breastfed babies learn how to control their appetites, which helps prevent the development of obesity.
Breastfeeding helps child care centers financially.
Meals containing breast milk are reimbursed by CACFP.
Being “Breastfeeding Friendly” helps market child care centers.
“Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Center” designation can be used in ads of your program.
Your center will be listed on the DOH website as Breastfeeding Friendly.