With support from Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health (BBPH), the YMCA has been recognized as “Infant Friendly,” by the North Dakota Department of Health. The Y always strives to better serve its members, employees and community, and is pleased to be part of a program that will provide another important service to Y families.
In partnership with BBPH, the Y has implemented four dedicated breastfeeding spaces among their three site locations: Family Wellness in Mandan, Youth Development Center-North in Bismarck, Missouri Valley Family YMCA and on-site Youth Development Center.
Employers can apply for this designation if they adopt a worksite policy that includes:
- Flexible work scheduling, including scheduling breaks and permitting work patterns that provide time for expression of breast milk.
- A convenient, sanitary, safe and private location (other than a restroom), allowing privacy for breastfeeding or expressing breast milk.
- A convenient, clean and safe water source with facilities for washing hands and rinsing breast-pumping equipment located near the private location.
- A convenient place for temporarily storing breast milk, such as a refrigerator or cooler.
According to research, breastfeeding also benefits the employer. Such benefits include lower health-care costs because breastfed babies are healthier, lower absenteeism, and lower turnover rates since woman are more likely to return to their previous jobs if the company provides support for breastfeeding mothers. These benefits can provide considerable cost savings to employers.
“We are so thankful for this partnership with Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health. Offering private Nursing Stations to our employees, childcare families and members, allows us to both support our staff team and strengthen the community,” said Raquel Nachatilo, Human Resources Director for the YMCA.
“Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health is delighted to partner with the YMCA to facilitate and support the "infant-friendly" designation to their workplace and their members. We appreciate their interest, commitment and support of breastfeeding that fosters a family friendly atmosphere,” said Katie Johnke, Nutrition Services Coordinator, BBPH.”
Businesses interested in joining the list of recognized organizations can find resources for supporting their employees at
http://www.bismarcknd.gov/1734/Breastfeeding-Support
For more information about the infant friendly designation, contact Katie Johnke, Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, 701-355-1555.
For more information on the Y’s new status and nursing stations, contact Amber Rae Bernhardt, YMCA, at 701-751-9723.