We hope that childcare providers are able to successfully support breastfeeding families. Breastfeeding has many health benefits for moms and babies, yet many moms worry that going back to work will make it hard to breastfeed. Helping moms continue to breastfeed is easy and benefits entire communities. Providing Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare is a voluntary recognition available to Missouri childcare facilities.
To receive the award, childcare providers must meet the criteria below, which aim to improve support for breastfeeding women in the workforce. Successful applicants will receive a certificate, window cling and recognition on our website. See a list of facilities recognized as Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare.
Requirements to Provide Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare
Childcare facilities must also be recognized as a Breastfeeding Friendly WorksiteArchived. The application can be sent with the Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare application. Other requirements include:
- A written policy that reflects your establishment's support of breastfeeding.
- A welcoming environment for breastfeeding families.
- Offering breastfeeding resources to parents, such as the USDA's Breastfed Babies Welcome Here! A Mother's Guide.
- Feeding infants on demand and communicating with parents about feeding preferences.
- Training your staff to support breastfeeding parents.
1.0 Clock Hour
This training provides continuing education to childcare center employees and owners on supporting breastfeeding mothers whose babies are in their care. This training counts as the 1-hour training requirement of becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare.
Achieve Breastfeeding Friendly Recognition
Complete the Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare online application.
The Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare Instructions assist with completing the application.
For more information on becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare, please email BreastfeedingFriendly@health.mo.gov.
More Information on Breastfeeding
- Our Breastfeeding Program provides the benefits of breastfeeding and resources available to mothers and lactation providers.
- The Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite Program educates worksites on the value of providing lactation support and to recognizes businesses that support their breastfeeding employees.
- The Missouri Breastfeeding Coalition provides additional resources to support breastfeeding mothers.