It’s Breast Feeding Awareness Month, and Santa Cruz county now has a new Lactation Accommodation Policy in place for employees of the county. That means that county facilities have an “appropriate” private space set aside for breast-feeding mothers. The space needs to have an electrical outlet, and a water supply….however, restrooms are not considered an appropriate space.
Studies show that babies/children experience fewer respiratory tract infections, gastro-intestinal tract infections and are at lower risk for allergies and diabetes, Breastfeeding decreases a mother’s risk of breast cancer or gynecological cancer, as well as her risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. The study also showed that for mothers who do not breastfeed, or who stop breastfeeding early, there is an increase in Postpartum Depression. Employers interested in implementing the Lactation Accommodation Policy or making the workplace more mother and baby-friendly can contact the county breastfeeding coordinator at familyhealth@santacruzcounty.us.
