CACFP Supports Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care
AUGUST IS NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING MONTH
National Breastfeeding Month provides a reminder to reflect on the positive effects breastfeeding has on the world, and encourages efforts to advocate for and support breastfeeding families. Evidence shows that breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for babies and provides protection from infections, disease, obesity, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is nutritionally complete and provides all the vitamins and minerals an infant needs to grow. Breastfeeding has also been found to help mothers heal after childbirth; and can lower the risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and postpartum depression. Families often enjoy financial savings from buying less formula and take less time off from work because babies who are breastfed tend to be sick less often. Despite the numerous benefits, it’s estimated that at least 60% of mothers do not breastfeed for as long as they intended.
The New York State Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is committed to promoting and supporting breastfeeding efforts across the State. Under the revised meal patterns, breastmilk is considered a creditable food in CACFP. As long as the baby is offered the minimum amount of breastmilk required from ages 0 through 5 months, they can be claimed even if they don’t drink it all. Meals can be also be claimed when a mother nurses her baby on site. For children age 1 year and older, breastmilk can be served in place of fluid milk without a written request and the meal can still be reimbursed. These flexibilities are part of the effort to increase breastfeeding rates and support mothers to continue to breastfeed.
While most of this may be familiar, did you know that New York State offers a Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care designation through CACFP? Even though creating a breastfeeding-friendly space is not required in CACFP, it is a best practice. The designation is a chance to take the next step and reflect the ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming environment for breastfeeding mothers. To reduce barriers for child care providers, the application is free and can be found easily on the New York State Department of Health-CACFP website. Programs receive additional materials from the State when the designation is granted and they have the opportunity to have their program listed on the State’s website for families to find them, which is an excellent marketing tool.
If a child care program (center and/or home-based) is designated as CACFP breastfeeding friendly, families can expect:
An inviting space that is comfortable, clean, and quiet. Privacy should be available based on the mother’s comfort level.
Flexibility and encouragement to nurse their baby onsite.
Assurance that their baby is fed on demand and coordinated with normal feeding schedules.
Staff are trained in the preparation, storage, and feeding of breastmilk.
Accurate written materials about breastfeeding are available.
A written policy that reflects a commitment to breastfeeding.
For more information visit: health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/cacfp/breastfeedingspon.htm