Supportive Breastfeeding Environments
Virginia is working to support breastfeeding in maternity, early care, and workplace settings. This work involves establishing and implementing strong breastfeeding policies, successful delivery of services and programs, and professional development so staff are creating positive breastfeeding environments for mothers, babies, and families. Ultimately, Virginia is focusing on trying to increase initiation rates and duration of breastfeeding, aiming to support the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Controls goal of exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months and continuation of breastfeeding with complimentary food until 12 months. The short and long term health benefits of breastfeeding for mother and children are numerous, to learn more visit About Breastfeeding. Laws for business about public breastfeeding can be found here.
Virginia’s Breastfeeding Friendly Recognition Programs:
- Early Care: The Early Care Breastfeeding Friendly Recognition Program was established in partnership with Child Care Aware-Virginia, Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, and Virginia Breastfeeding Coalition. The goal is for early care sites to be recognized in meeting five breastfeeding friendly standards: environmental, family support, infant feeding, professional development and breastfeeding policy. More about the recognition program, standards, and designees can be found on Child Care Aware-Virginia’s site.
- Maternity Centers: The Virginia Maternity Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation Program recognizes maternity centers that have taken steps to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in their organization. The program is currently on hold, but hopes to be re-established in future.
- Workplace: Virginia’s Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Recognition Program recognizes workplaces in meeting 65 breastfeeding friendly criteria including lactation programs, breastfeeding policies, trainings for staff, and breastfeeding supportive benefits. The award has categories of bronze, silver, and gold, and is managed by the Virginia Breastfeeding Coalition.