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CONTACT:  Spokane R-VII, 167 Kentling Ave.  Highlandville, MO 65669

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Spokane, Missouri –Spokane Middle School today joined a growing number of Missouri businesses by becoming a Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite.  Breastfeeding friendly employers proactively support employees who choose to breastfeed their infants.  They provide time, space and other benefits to maintain breastfeeding after a mom returns to work.  Employers who provide these supports see a positive impact on their business’s bottom line.

Employers that provide lactation support services report higher employee retention, lower absenteeism, higher morale, greater productivity, reduced health care costs.  Many studies have also shown improved short- and long-term health of the breastfeeding mother and her child.

“Lactation support programs are a growing trend in businesses today as a means of improving family services to employees,” said Dr. Bell-Freeman, superintendent.

Over 80 percent of Missouri mothers choose breastfeeding as the optimal form of infant feeding.  Yet, many of these women do not meet their breastfeeding goals.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified returning to work as a major reason why many women stop breastfeeding. 

The Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite Program is a collaboration between the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Missouri Breastfeeding Coalition.  The program aims to bring an increased awareness about the importance of worksite lactation support.  The program recognizes employers with policies supportive of their breastfeeding employees.  Such policies provide a flexible work schedule for milk expression breaks; offer a private space, other than a bathroom, where the employee can pump or breastfeed; and ensure easy access to a safe water source and place to store milk.

“We want our employees who are new mothers to know that we support their decision to continue breastfeeding,” said Dr. Bell-Freeman, superintendent.  “We are extremely pleased to be designated as a Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite.”

Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksites represent a wide range of employment sectors, settings and worksite sizes.  To be designated as a Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite, an employer must submit an application to the DHSS. For more information on the Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksites Program, visit the program’s website, or contact the State Breastfeeding Coordinator at 573-751-6468 or by email at breastfeeding@health.mo.gov.