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Research has shown the importance of breastfeeding for mother and baby. For the baby, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of SIDS, obesity, and Type 1 diabetes just to name a few medical conditions. For the mother, breastfeeding reduces the risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and several cancers.
There are several ways a day care program can support a mother's decision to continue breastfeeding. One choice is to support on-site breastfeeding. Another choice is to support a mother by feeding her baby expressed/pumped breastmilk.
If you decide to support on-site breastfeeding, a private room with a lock on the door should be provided. Other important accessories needed would be a comfortable chair, small table, waste basket, and a sink nearby or in the room. If you want to allow mothers to express milk on-site, an electrical outlet is needed and a place to store the freshly expressed milk.
If you choose not to have on-site breastfeeding, offer to feed baby expressed/pumped breastmilk from the mother. Previously frozen breastmilk can sit on the counter for 1-2 hours. In the refrigerator up to 1 day and if baby doesn't finish the milk within 2 hours it should be discarded.
For more detailed information, read the articles and handouts listed below.
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