Department Of Public Health Recognizes Breastfeeding-Friendly Employers
By Hadas Kuznits
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Breastfeeding-friendly employers in Philadelphia were recognized on Thursday as part of Breastfeeding Awareness Week.
In celebration of Breastfeeding Awareness Week, folks from the Health Department presented information at Temple University. They also presented employers with awards.
"Employers are required to find a clean space for their employees who choose to nurse," says Rakeel Arum with the Department of Public Health. "And they have to have access to running water and an electrical outlet."
Arum says its important to recognize employers who support breast-feeding moms:
"We really do want to show them that we appreciate what they're doing for their employees."
And she says breastfeeding not only benefits a mother and her child, but the employers as well.
"We know that women who breastfeed take off less sick days, because they don't have babies who are going to be as sick."
Arum says a breastfeeding friendly environment at work takes the stress of many moms.
"It shows the employee that he or she (the employer) really values their role as a mother and as an employee."
