Lactation Support for Worksites

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

: The Lactation Spaces Grant Program is a county-wide initiative aimed at increasing the number of breastfed babies in our jurisdiction. Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) believes that women who wish to continue to breastfeed after returning to work must be supported and we recognize that many businesses continue to struggle with compliance to Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act. As a result, in 2019, MCDPH began offering mini grants to employers throughout our County interested in creating lactation spaces, supportive policies and programs at their worksites. To date 21 worksites have been awarded funds and are offering robust resources to employees for both lactation accommodation and infant at work programs. In 2020 our grantees were reporting approximately 80 nursing mothers using their spaces. Additionally, Program administrators reported they believe the use of the spaces will increase over time. All grantees report the emphasis on maternal and lactation support in their worksites is contributing to improvement of overall employee health and wellness.