For more information, please contact committee chair:
Christy L. Richards, R.N., B.S.N. Chronic Disease Coordinator Ontario County Public Health 3019 County Complex Drive Canandaigua, NY 14424 Phone: 1-585-396-4558 Fax: 1-585-396-4551 |
The Finger Lakes Breastfeeding Partnership is a regional coalition that focuses on supporting breastfeeding mothers and increasing the number of mothers breastfeeding in the Finger Lakes region. The Partnership originated in Ontario County, but as each of the Network counties completed their Community Health Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans, obesity rose to the top as a major issue in all counties (breastfed babies have been found to have a decreased likelihood of being obese later in life). From this assessment, the coalition was expanded to all eight counties. Current initiatives of the Partnership include providing training and encouraging daycare homes/centers to become breastfeeding friendly, sponsoring the training of over 30 certified lactation counselors in the region, and coordinating the establishment of Baby Cafes in the region. |
■■ Making it Work: Worksite Accommodation Law (www.breastfeedingpartners.org)
Basic tenets of the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Section 4207, which amends the Fair Labor Standards Act, and key components of the New York State Labor Law. Published by the New York State Department of Health at www.health.ny.gov/community/pregnancy/breastfeeding
■■ Guidelines from the New York State Department of Labor
www.labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/laborstandards/pdfs/guidelinesexpressionofbreastmilkfinal.pdf
■■ The Business Case for Breastfeeding.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/
Free resources with bottom-line benefits for employers establishing comprehensive lactation support programs, easy steps for implementing, options for space, time, education, and support, reproducible templates that can be tailored to the business, and employee educational materials. Published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
■■ New York State Department of Health: www.health.ny.gov/community/pregnancy/breastfeeding
www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/breastfeeding
Free resources and information from the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program for employers, families, and health care providers.
■■ New York State WIC Program Breastfeeding Partners: www.breastfeedingpartners.org
Website with breastfeeding information and resources for mothers and their families. Published by the New York State WIC Training Center in partnership with the New York WIC Program.
■■ New York Statewide Breastfeeding Coalition: www.nysbreastfeeding.org/index.html
Links to resources and national and state laws, as well as a listing of local coalitions across the state with experts who can assist businesses with setting up a lactation support program.
■■ United States Breastfeeding Committee: www.usbreastfeeding.org
Links to numerous national resources and a listing of state breastfeeding coalitions.
■■ International Lactation Consultant Association: www.ilca.org
“Worksite Lactation Support Directory” lists lactation consultants available to assist businesses with an employee lactation support program.
■■ United States Surgeon General: www.surgeongeneral.gov.
“Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding” and “National Prevention Strategy.
Making It Work Toolkit
The Making It Work Toolkit is an online resource for breastfeeding mothers returning to work or school. The toolkit is designed to provide assistance to breastfeeding mothers as well as tools and information for businesses and families.
The online toolkit can be printed, viewed on the website, shared with others, and downloaded onto your mobile device for easy access.
The NYSDOH Prevention Agenda, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Healthy People 2020, and The US Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding recognize the challenges of low income wage earners returning to work while continuing to breastfeed. The Making it Work Toolkit provides consumers and employers information to address the challenges identified by the organizations and agencies.
This project was funded through the CDC's Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant. It is a result of collaboration between NYSDOH Division of Chronic Disease Prevention and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. We would like to acknowledge Cathy Carothers, BLA, IBCLC, FILCA and RayaneAbuSabha, Ph.D. R.D for their time and dedication to this project.
There are five individual toolkits:
Making it Work: For Moms
Planning starts during pregnancy with a Lactation Work Plan, preparing during maternity leave and getting ready to return to work. This section contains valuable information on how to talk with your supervisor, coworkers and child care providers. Resources also include information on storing and handling breast milk, checklists and special tips for success. Sample schedules and food ideas help round out this section.
Making it Work: For Family Members
Support from family is critical to success. This section explains the important role grandparents and partners play while dispelling myths that might be held by others. How to give practical support and care for a breastfed baby is included in this section.
Making it Work: For Employers
The bottom line is breastfeeding is good for business. This section will assist employers in complying with state and federal laws. It explains the basic needs of employees, common sense solutions, resources, and FAQs. Ahelpful Checklist for Employers is included in this section to assist supervisors plan for employee lactation accommodations requests.
Making it Work: The Law
The federal and NYS law are explained in enough detail to assist both mother and employer. Guidance for interpreting the laws and resources are included.
Making it Work: Other Materials
Final section has sample letters and policies for easy downloading and use.

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