August is National Breastfeeding Month and the Carlton County Breastfeeding Coalition would like to recognize four local organizations for their work on creating breastfeeding friendly environments for their employees and/or visitors!
Jenny Barta, member of the Carlton County Breastfeeding Coalition, and Certified Lactation Specialist at Carlton County Public Health and Human Services shares, “Breastfeeding is one of the best opportunities we can offer a newborn for a healthy start in life. One of the reasons a mother might stop breastfeeding is because her workplace does not have space, time, or other accommodations to help her continue. Many worksites/public spaces in Carlton County have been implementing changes to support nursing mothers, and deserve to be recognized for supporting the newest members of our community and their families!”
Recognition of work:
Community Memorial Hospital (CMH): A 5 Star Breastfeeding Friendly recognition through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Breastfeeding Friendly Maternity Center Designation Program. CMH also implemented “A Nesting Place” in 2019 as a resource for new moms to meet two times each month. Their family physician Dr. Melissa Robey is also Carlton County’s only International Board Certified Lactation Consultant!
Fond du Lac: The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s Lactation Policy passed. This establishes guidelines for promoting breastfeeding friendly environments at Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa programs and enterprises for employees, clients, and guests.
Interfaith Care Center: As part of Interfaith’s worksite wellness planning, they have designated a room/space for nursing moms for pumping and breastfeeding.
Mercy Hospital: Mercy Hospital is designated Baby-Friendly® Hospital (2018-2023). They also have the MDH’s recognition of a 5 Star/10 Step Breastfeeding Friendly Maternity Center Designation.
More information about National Breastfeeding Month can be found here. More information about MDH’s Breastfeeding Friendly locations can be found here (scroll down for maps of the locations for the different designations).
The Carlton County Breastfeeding Coalition is made up of Community Members, Local Public Health, Local Health Care, and other Breastfeeding partners. If you are interested in joining, please contact Patti Martin at patti.martin@co.carlton.mn.us.