Seeking Nominations for the 5th Annual

Regional Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Awards


The DC Breastfeeding Coalition (DCBFC) and the Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition (MBC) join hands once again to recognize work sites within the District, Maryland and Northern Virginia who are committed to promoting and protecting their female employees' rights to provide human milk to their infants as long as they may choose. 43 businesses have been honored with this award since 2010 (www.mdbfc.org) and (www.dcbfc.org). This year, for the first time, we will also be recognizing physician's offices (OB, Pediatric and Family Practice) that promote and support breastfeeding through the combination of a conducive office environment and education of healthcare professionals, office staff and families. According to The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's clinical protocol, a mother's prenatal intention to breastfeed is influenced to a great extent by the opinion and support of the healthcare providers she encounters.

DCBFC and MBC are nonprofit organizations, which unite breastfeeding advocates, health care 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. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, along with numerous other health organizations, strongly recommend as optimal for nutrition and health benefits that an infant receive only human milk for the first 6 months, and continue receiving breast milk once complimentary foods are started for a minimum of 12 months of life.

A key barrier to a longer duration of breastfeeding is maternal return to employment, due in part to a lack of education and support received for breast milk expression in the workplace.

  • The requirement to provide a clean, private space and flexible, reasonable unpaid breaks for women to express their milk during work hours without discrimination is clearly stated in Section 4207 of the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Reasonable Break Time for Nursing Mothers") and the District of Columbia's Human Rights Act ("The Child's Right to Nurse Human Rights Amendment Act of 2007").
  • The goal to increase the proportion of employers that have workplace lactation support programs from 25% to 38% is included in Healthy People 2020.
  • US Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, in her 2011 "Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding", strongly encourages employers to do their part to support women who choose to breastfeed.

Loyal employed mothers who want to continue breastfeeding have just a few needs which can help them continue their dedicated service to their employer while meeting the needs of their child. Studies have also shown that work site support of employees enrolled in a company-provided lactation support program benefits companies through increased rates of retention, employee satisfaction and morale, decreased health care and insurance costs, and a reduction in sick leave requests to care for an ill child.

Nominations for breastfeeding-friendly businesses and physician's offices are now being openly sought and can be accessed on the DCBFC website or MBC website until September 17, 2014 (for businesses) and October 1, 2014 (for health care providers offices). Employees may nominate their employers but must have consent from the business to have a site visit conducted to confirm the nomination. Businesses previously awarded at the Bronze or Silver level are eligible for nomination if seeking a higher level of recognition. Applications will be reviewed by Coalition Workplace Committee members and assigned points according to specific criteria. Workplace site visits will occur by October 15, 2014. The Bronze, Silver, and Gold winners will be publicly announced on the MBC and DCBFC websites and through award ceremonies conducted by the Coalitions.

Please join us as we continue to recognize places of business, which jointly honor their employees' commitment and contributions to their place of employment and to the health and future of their children. Please contact workplaceaward@dcbfc.org for any questions.


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.