August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month
Breastfed children have a reduced risk of many health problems including diabetes, asthma, childhood cancer and obesity. Breastfeeding parents need the support of businesses.
Celebrating August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month, businesses can make a difference in the community.
Breastfed children have a reduced risk of many health problems including diabetes, asthma, childhood cancer and obesity. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for two years or longer as mutually desired by mother and child.
According to Section 3781.55 of the Ohio Revised Code, “A mother is entitled to breastfeed in any location of a place of public accommodation wherein the mother otherwise is permitted.”
Breastfeeding parents need the support of businesses. Displaying the Breastfeeding Welcome Here sign will alert families to public locations where they can breastfeed comfortably. It also encourages communities to view breastfeeding as normal, accepted and welcomed. By using such a sign, businesses agree to provide an environment where breastfeeding mothers can enjoy a welcoming attitude from staff, management and other patrons while nursing their babies.
Breastfeeding-friendly businesses should do the following:
—Welcome mothers to breastfeed anywhere customers are allowed. Welcoming can simply mean allowing the mother to breastfeed undisturbed. It also can mean accommodating a mother’s needs. For example, if a mother requests a place to sit, staff may direct her to the nearest chair.
—Train staff on the Ohio breastfeeding in public law. Train staff how the law applies to your establishment. For example, if a mother is breastfeeding, she should not be asked to leave, or if a breastfeeding mother asks for a private area to breastfeed and one is available, staff should direct her to that location.
—Inform other customers that Ohio law supports breastfeeding in public if a complaint is made. Offer to make other accommodations to help the customer be more comfortable. For example, “I hear and understand you are uncomfortable. However, Ohio law protects breastfeeding in public, and our policy is to welcome breastfeeding within our establishment. Is there something I can do to help you feel more comfortable?”
The Ohio Department of Health’s initiative, Ohio Workplace PLUS, located at https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/Breastfeeding/Worksites, includes numerous resources for both employees and employers to assist with building workplace lactation accommodations and support services. Employers who invest in employee lactation accommodations see a 3:1 return on investment because of lower healthcare costs, lower absenteeism for both mothers and fathers, lower turnover rates, and improved employee morale.