The Minnesota Department of Health recognizes workplaces that have demonstrated their commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers by creating a workplace lactation support program.
Benefits to businesses:
- Acknowledges your workplace’s commitment to supporting healthy families
- Allows you to reap the business benefits of supporting nursing mothers
- Provides an opportunity to promote your business to the community
To be recognized as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace, employers must provide a lactation space for breastfeeding women. The space must:
- Be in an accessible location, within 5 minutes or less of the breastfeeding employees' workstations.
- Be a private space, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion by coworkers and the public. A locking door is ideal. If a locking door is not provided, please explain how you ensure privacy.
- Include access to an electrical outlet.
- Include a comfortable chair.
- Include a small table or surface to support pumping equipment.
- Have or be located near clean refrigerator space for milk storage.
- Have or be located near a place to wash hands and clean pump equipment.
Prepare before you apply
- Prepare a space for your employees who must express breastmilk to feed their baby.
lactation_rooms.pdf
- Be able to provide a list of community breastfeeding resources and support materials to your employees. You may download and use any of our resources, including the following:
Apply for Breastfeeding Friendly status
Applications may be submitted at any time but are only reviewed four time annually. Applications are due by March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15th for review by the end of the following month.
- Fill out and submit the online application. Supporting documents needed include:
- Written policy or guideline.
- Photograph of lactation space.
- Contact health.BFW@state.mn.us with any questions.
