CentraCare Health – Monticello’s Birth Center and the Becker School District Partner to Provide Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace

The Becker School District, in collaboration with CentraCare Health – Monticello’s Birth Center has been named a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for its contributions to the health of mothers and their babies.

MDH recognizes workplaces and county health departments that have demonstrated their commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers by creating a workplace lactation support program. The Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace designation is achieved through an organization’s adoption of a written policy, staff education, ensuring adequate break time for breastfeeding employees, providing a clean, private place to pump breast milk and demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting breastfeeding in the workplace.

“CentraCare Health – Monticello is committed to partnering with organizations to build healthier communities,” said Hannah Whalen, APRN, CNP, Birth Center Manager at CentraCare Health – Monticello. “Recognition from the Minnesota Department of Health demonstrates our dedication to supporting the health of mothers and families, not only when they receive care or deliver their babies at our hospital, but also as they raise their children in our communities.”

Breastfeeding is a foundational way to ensure that babies receive optimal nutrition during the first formative years of life. Studies show that infants who are breastfed have better health outcomes as they grow. MDH recognizes organizations that have taken a leadership role to improve breastfeeding rates and meet Healthy 2020 goals.

“As a nursing mom, I understood first-hand the need for a private and calming space to serve as a lactation room in our school district,” said Jo Eichler, Art Teacher at Becker High School. “I was so happy to work with the experienced and knowledgeable staff at CentraCare Health – Monticello’s Birth Center, TJ Zerwas, Director of Building and Grounds at Becker High School and Jason Borgstrom, Director of Information Technology at Becker Schools, to build two lactation rooms; one at Becker High School and one at Becker Middle School, dedicated to supporting visitors and staff. Studies show that teachers are likely to stop nursing early due to lack of time and private space. Now that we have these private lactation rooms in our school district, teachers can continue to provide their children with the essential nutrients delivered through nursing.”

To learn more or to apply for the Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace designation, contact the Birth Center Manager at CentraCare - Monticello at 763-271-2519.