Northfield Hospital + Clinics has been named a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for NH+C’s contributions to the health of breastfeeding employees and their babies.
MDH recognizes workplaces and county health departments that have demonstrated their commitment to supporting breastfeeding families by creating a workplace lactation support program. There are112 Breastfeeding Friendly Workplaces recognized across the state.
“We’re proud to support healthy families – for our staff as well as our patients,” says Vicki Stevens, NH+C Administrator for Human Resources. “Our Employee Well Being team is doing a great job expanding this to all our locations so we can support breastfeeding families in every part of our organization.”
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 recognizes organizations that take a leadership role to improve breastfeeding rates across Minnesota.
The Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace designation shows Northfield Hospital + Clinics’ commitment as a model for the community to support healthy families and receive 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.
MDH’s recognition program, begun in 2015, was created and is supported by the state Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP). Learn more: www.health.state.mn.us/breastfeedingfriendly
Northfield Hospital + Clinics is committed to serving patients through personal attention and excellent care. With 800+ employees across the region, NH+C provides rewarding work and competitive benefits in a professional and fun work environment. We are committed to the communities we serve because this is where we live and work. Learn more: www.northfieldhospital.org/careers