Sawtooth Mountain Clinic Director Rita Plourde cut the ribbon at the ceremony for the opening of the lactation breastfeeding room at the clinic on Wednesday, October 10. Photo courtesy of Maren Webb
Sawtooth Mountain Clinic 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.
Sawtooth Mountain Clinic hosted a celebration for this recognition with a ribbon cutting of the employee lactation space on Wednesday, October 10.
The dedicated lactation space provides a place where nursing mothers can pump breastmilk for their babies while they work and is one piece of the MDH recognition.
“Sawtooth Mountain Clinic is working with businesses and organizations across Cook County to make healthier workplaces. Being breastfeeding-friendly is an important part of supporting healthy employees and communities, including at our own organization,” said Rita Plourde, CEO of the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic.
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 recognized organizations that have taken a leadership role to improve breastfeeding rates and meet Healthy 2020 goals.
The designation acknowledges Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s commitment to acting as a model for the community by supporting healthy families and receiving the business benefits of supporting nursing mothers.
The designation is achieved by adopting a written policy and educating staff about it; 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.
This is MDH’s recognition program, which was created and is supported by the state Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP).
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