Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Presbyterian Healthcare received two awards from the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition, recognizing the health system for being breastfeeding-friendly to hospital visitors and employees. For visitors, Presbyterian offers a place to pump in our facilities that isn’t a restroom or cafeteria. For employees, the healthcare organization provides two private rooms and space in The Nursing Mother’s Place offices for quiet breastfeeding or pumping during work hours. They also allow mothers time away from their work responsibilities when breastfeeding or pumping is needed.
Providing space to accommodate breastfeeding employees also provides benefits to the business, as it improves employee job satisfaction and retention, and also decreases the number of workdays missed caring for sick children, as breastfeeding reduces the risk of infection in newborns.
“We are so honored to receive these awards from the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coaltion,” said Gretta Blythe, IBCLC, manager of The Nursing Mother’s Place. “But most importantly, we are so happy that visitors and employees are taking advantage of these options because that means they are breastfeeding and providing their babies with the best and most natural nourishment.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for at least the first year of a baby’s life. In addition to being a great bonding experience, breastfeeding has numerous benefits to mom and baby. Breastfeeding reduces infections, helps mom return to her pre-pregnancy weight quicker and reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. In addition, it saves money and is always fresh and at the right temperature for your baby. For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding, listen to our podcast at www.presbyterian.org/nursingmothersplace.
The Nursing Mother’s Place is Presbyterian’s breastfeeding center, with locations at Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville and Presbyterian Hospital Matthews. They offer a variety of services, including breastfeeding classes, one-on-one support, inpatient and outpatient consultations, breast pump rentals and phone advice. For more information, please call 704-384-7515 or visit www.presbyterian.org/nursingmothersplace.
