AWARDS NOTICE:

November, 2004 -- Framingham, Massachusetts

The positive impact of several Massachusetts businesses was celebrated at the WIC Learning Center in Framingham. Seven Massachusetts businesses received a "Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace" award, and fourteen organizations received a "Breastfeeding Friendly Business" award today from the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition. Two received both awards. These awards recognize the leadership of these establishments in accommodating breastfeeding mothers and children, and thereby striving to meet the national goal of increasing the incidence and duration of breastfeeding. US Surgeon General David Satcher stated: "Breastfeeding is one of the most important contributors to infant health. Breastfeeding provides a range of benefits for the infant's growth, immunity, and development. In addition, breastfeeding improves maternal health and contributes economic benefits to family, health care system, and workplace."

The federal Department of Health and Human Services has called upon workplaces to facilitate breastfeeding or breast milk expression in the workplace, establish programs that enable breastfeeding continuation, and encourage childcare facilities to provide quality breastfeeding support.

The Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition is proud to recognize the contribution of these businesses in building the health of Massachusetts' most precious assets, her infants. This statewide coalition includes representatives of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Department of Public Health, breastfeeding support groups, nursing groups, lactation consultant groups, health systems and insurers.

given to businesses and public agencies in communities across Massachusetts who support the efforts of breastfeeding mothers by making them feel welcome breastfeeding in their establishment, or in other ways

given to Massachusetts employers who actively support the efforts of their employees who want to continue breastfeeding when they return to work after maternity/adoptive leave