Breastfeeding Support Policy

Having policies related to breastfeeding support will ensure that all parties have same understanding of the procedures. It is important that all employees understand and follow the same policies. Having written policies are also helpful when explaining to parents how your center operates. Below you will find resources that will help you set breastfeeding policies in your home or center.

Best Practices

The resources in this category are the same for all of the following best practices.

“Always communicate the breastfeeding policy to expectant mothers, families of infants and visitors.”
“Create and maintain a written policy for promoting breastfeeding and supporting breastfeeding families that is available and followed.”

Action Guide: For Child Care Nutrition and Physical Activity Policies

Summary: A guide for creating policies including rationale, steps for creating policies, and policy recommendations.
Source: Connecticut State Department of Education
Access: https://healthymeals.fns.usda.gov/hsmrs/Connecticut/CCAG_ActionGuide.pdf

Breastfeeding Essentials Webpage

Summary: This site has many resources for breastfeeding including tips for mothers, child care professionals, and communities.
Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Access: https://www.colorado.gov/cdphe/breastfeeding

The Nemours Foundation Website

Summary: Click on the Support Breastfeeding Circle to get information about how to support breast feeding in a day care setting as well as tips for setting up a breastfeeding area.
Source: The Nemours Foundation
Access: https://healthykidshealthyfuture.org/

Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC) Manuals

Summary: This manual provides the best practice recommendations for each question on the self-assessment. The manuals also include the rationale behind each recommendation, challenges to implementing recommendations, and tips for changing current practice.
Source: Michigan Healthy Child Care
Access: http://mihealthtools.org/childcare/resources.asp

Sample Child Care Center Breastfeeding Policy

Summary: A sample policy to promote breastfeeding in child care centers.
Source: Florida Breastfeeding Coalition
Access: http://flbreastfeeding.org/pdf/SampleChildCareCenterBreastfeedingPolicy.pdf

Ten Steps to Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Centers Resource Kit

Summary: A resource kit to promote breastfeeding in child care centers.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services
Access: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p0/p00022.pdf

Toolkit for Child Care Providers

Summary: Tools for promoting breastfeeding for child care providers are included such as external toolkits and training materials for child care providers.
Source: Michigan Breastfeeding Network
Access: http://www.mibreastfeeding.org/toolkit-childcare