Learn and Grow Depot Child Development Center is recognized as a “Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care”
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Photo:
Mason Helmerichs, Beth Helmerich (parent), Marie Malo
(director),Kirstin Johnson (teacher), Anne Wright (teacher), Kristy
Kohman (parent), Emmalyn Kohman.
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Memorial Health System’s Learn and Grow Depot Child
Development Center has received designation as a Breastfeeding Friendly Child
Care, from Child Care Aware® of Kansas and the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition,
Inc.
The designation recognizes programs that provide a high
level of support to families of breastfeeding babies enrolled in child care.
There are five criteria included in the designation.
The facility:
·
creates a culturally appropriate breastfeeding-friendly environment.
·
has written policies that reflect a commitment to support breastfeeding
mothers.
·
provides educational materials and information to breastfeeding mothers
and family members.
·
ensures that staff are trained in the skills needed to support and
promote breastfeeding.
·
has written policies that reflect a commitment to support breastfeeding
employees.
Learn and Grow Depot Director, Marie Malo said, “We want our
moms to feel comfortable enough to breastfeed in our facility if they choose
to. Breastfeeding provides so many benefits for growing babies, and we want
them to get off to the very best start they can.”
Research shows that breastfeeding provides infants the
healthiest start in life. However, children who are routinely cared for
by someone other than their parents are less likely to be breastfed. When
child care programs provide support and encouragement for breastfeeding
families, it is easier for mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to
work, thus their babies continue to receive optimal nurturing and
nutrition.
Learn and Grow Depot Child Development Center is one of the
first child care programs in Kansas to receive this designation, and will
receive a certificate and a window cling to market the child care as
breastfeeding friendly. In addition, the designation will be recognized
in the provider profile information that is distributed to families looking for
child care.
“We know that providers who are willing to work with and
encourage breastfeeding moms can make huge difference for that family,” said
Leadell Ediger, Executive Director of Child Care Aware® of Kansas.
“Continuation of breastfeeding has long-term health benefits for both mom and
baby. We are pleased to offer this designation as a small way to
recognize providers who go the extra mile for breastfeeding families.”
All child care programs in Kansas are eligible for the
Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care designation. For information on how to
apply for the designation, or to inquire about how your childcare business can
support breastfeeding families, contact Child Care Aware® of Kansas at
785-823-3343.
