Contributed by Bob Wheaton- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
MSU is the First College to Receive Michigan Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Award
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University is being honored with a Michigan Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Award from the Michigan Breastfeeding Network and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
MSU is receiving the award for its contributions in creating a more breastfeeding friendly Michigan, with breastfeeding accommodations at more than 60 locations on campus and across the state. Universities and colleges are uniquely positioned as educators, large employers and researchers to lead the way on empowering future leaders, supporting their communities and providing evidence of the value of breastfeeding support by employers.
In partnership with MDHHS, the Michigan Breastfeeding Network is working to catalyze a “race to the top” among Michigan employers. These awards recognize businesses that are in compliance with the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law and celebrate businesses that go beyond the law’s requirements to support working families.
Research has found employers who provide these supports see a positive impact on their businesses’ bottom line, including a 3-to-1 return on investment, reduced health care costs, decreased employee absenteeism and lower turnover rates. There are three award levels and awards are good for one calendar year.
“Breastfeeding is a significant public health priority because it protects the health of mothers and babies,” said MDHHS Director Nick Lyon. “We are proud to present MSU with this award and to acknowledge the important steps the university has taken.”
Breastfeeding protects children against obesity, ear infections, leukemia, sudden infant death syndrome and more. Breastfeeding protects women against uterine, breast and ovarian cancers, type II diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure and post-partum depression. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for newborns until the age of six months.
To learn more about supporting breastfeeding employees, visitwww.mibreastfeeding.org/workplace. Breastfeeding moms who are returning to work can visitwww.mibreastfeeding.org/toolkit-employees for resources.