Beltrami County Receives State Breastfeeding Friendly Recognition

Bemidji, Minnesota — The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has named Beltrami County as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace for its contributions to the health of mothers and their babies.

MDH recognizes workplaces and county health departments that have demonstrated their commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers by creating a workplace lactation support program. Beltrami County was recognized by MDH at the Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition Meeting on Oct. 28 in Maplewood.

Breastfeeding is a foundational way to ensure that babies receive optimal nutrition during the first formative years of life. Studies show that infants who are breastfed have better health outcomes as they grow. MDH recognized organizations that have taken a leadership role to improve breastfeeding rates and meet Healthy 2020 goals.

The designation acknowledges Beltrami County’s commitment to acting as a model for the community by supporting healthy families and receiving the business benefits of supporting nursing mothers. The designation is achieved by adopting a written policy and educating staff about it; ensuring adequate break time for breastfeeding employees; providing a clean, private place to pump breast milk; and demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting breastfeeding in the workplace.

This is the second year of MDH’s recognition program, which was created and supported by the state Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) and the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP).

To learn more about the application process, visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/breastfeedingfriendly.