Maryland/DC Regional Breastfeeding-Friendly
Workplace Awards
Since 2010, the Maryland and DC Breastfeeding Coalitions have
sponsored an annual Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Awards program.
This program recognizes demonstrated support for breastfeeding through a
conducive office environment. To date, over 120 businesses have received this
honor, including many in Baltimore City.
Studies show that worksite support of employees enrolled in a company-
provided lactation support program is a Win-Win situation. Employers benefit
through increased rates of retention, employee satisfaction and morale. Mothers
and babies also benefit from decreased health care and insurance costs, and a
reduction in sick leave requests to care for an ill child.
Because of these demonstrated benefits, both the Affordable Care Act
and Baltimore City Ordinance 18-0276 require businesses to provide a clean,
private space, and flexible, reasonable unpaid breaks for women to express
their milk during work hours without discrimination. Despite these requirements,
many businesses still do not provide the necessary support for breastfeeding
mothers.
The Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition encourages businesses who
support breastfeeding mothers in their workplace to apply for 2019 Award
recognition. Businesses are judged based on their size and the
accommodations they provide to breastfeeding employees. This includes
breastfeeding support and education, as well as the time and space for mothers
to breastfeed and/or pump breast milk in the workplace. Based on the number
of amenities and processes to support breastfeeding, businesses will receive the
award at a Gold, Silver or Bronze level.
The Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition ( www.mdbfc.org ) is a nonprofit
organization that unites breastfeeding advocates, healthcare providers, and
families to provide a forum for the development and exchange of resources to
foster the establishment of breastfeeding as the normal way to nurture infants.
Prior Workplace Awardees can be found at http://mdbfc.org/?page_id=569. This year's program will launch in August, which is Maryland Breastfeeding Month. Inquires can be sent to workplaceaward@mdbfc.org
P.O. Box 29214, Washington, DC 20017 • Tel 202-470-2732 • email info@dcbfc.org
Medical Disclaimer: The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems, breastfeeding problems, or to take the place of professional medical care. If you have persistent breastfeeding problems, or if you have further questions, please consult your health care provider. The DC Breastfeeding Coalition does not share partnership with, or have any vested interest in, any of the businesses that may appear on this site, or sites that may be accessible by links herein contained.