Kitsap Public Health District, 345 6th Street, Suite 300, Bremerton, WA 98337
Breastfeeding Friendly Businesses
WHAT IS THE BREASTFEEDING WELCOME HERE PROJECT?
By law, breastfeeding employees need a private space (other than a bathroom) to nurse, pump or express milk. This space should have a chair, table and electrical outlet along with a place nearby to wash hands. A door hanger or sign identifying that the space is in use is helpful. Some businesses provide separate refrigerators and/or breastfeeding support materials, including Kitsap Supports Breastfeeding materials.
The Breastfeeding Welcome Here project gives recognition to businesses who demonstrate support of mothers breastfeeding at their facility. These businesses have a policy or procedure in place to support breastfeeding moms as they return to work and clients/customers who may want to breastfeed while in the business. A simple window cling with a universal breastfeeding symbol can identify your business as a place where breastfeeding is welcome and supported.
We are here to help! Health district staff can provide an assessment of your space and technical assistance. We will then provide you with Breastfeeding Welcome Here window cling to inform your clients/customers that they are entering a welcoming place to breastfeed! Please click the "Contact Us" tab to request an assessment and a Breastfeeding Welcome Here window cling. For businesses that provide a private space for not only their employees, but clients and visitors as well, a golden star is available to go along with your window cling.
WHAT DOES THE WINDOW CLING REPRESENT?
The blue and white Breastfeeding Welcome Here window cling (shown to the left above) lets clients know your business is breastfeeding friendly.
WHAT DOES THE GOLD STAR REPRESENT?
If you have a separate room or private area set up at your business for breastfeeding/pumping by clients and customers, please let us know and we will provide you a golden star to attach onto your window cling. Ensure your business has a procedure known by staff to give guidance to nursing moms requesting a space to nurse or pump.
KITSAP SUPPORTS BREASTFEEDING THANKS THESE
BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY BUSINESSES
GOLD STAR BUSINESSES:
*KITSAP PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT
*KITSAP COMMUNITY RESOURCES EARLY LEARNING
*KITSAP COUNTY SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND
CHILDREN (WIC)
*KITSAP COUNTY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION OFFICE
Resources
EXPRESSION OF BREAST MILK IN THE WORKPLACE--REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 28, 2019
http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1930-S.SL.pdf#page=1
The Business Case for Breastfeeding – US Dept of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health
Supporting Nursing Moms at Work- US Dept of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health
https://www.womenshealth.gov/supporting-nursing-moms-work
Nursing Mom at Work Door Hanger- Washington State Department of Health
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/8300/140-095-BFdoor-en-L.pdf
Breastfeeding is a Team Effort Infographic – Washington State Department of Health
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/8350/160-204-BreastFeedingInfographic.pdf
WIC Booklet: Breastfeeding and Returning to Work or School