During the annual Breastfeeding Awareness month in August of 2013, the St. Maarten Medical Center in collaboration with Collective Preventive Services conducted a survey to determine how our local businesses cater to the needs of employed women who choose to breastfeed their babies.
102 persons across 10 different institutions participated in the survey. Men with partners who have breastfed as a working mom also took part. The results showed that the St. Maarten Seventh-day Adventist School was the most breastfeeding friendly institution. The school was presented with a certificate and a door sticker to place on their breastfeeding friendly room as a welcoming presence to breastfeeding moms. From the conducted survey, employees see the need for a breastfeeding policy in the workplace.
The theme for 2013 “Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers” should still be a focus in 2014. Breastfeeding mothers need support. The campaign highlighted the five circles of support for mothers and children: Family and Social Network, Healthcare, Workplace and Employment, Government/Legislation, and Response to Crisis or Emergency.
Each year during breastfeeding week or month, women are reminded about the many benefits breastfeeding has for babies and mothers. More and more, mothers want to give their babies the healthy nourishment that they need. These mothers also want to maintain their jobs. Continuing to breastfeed when they have returned to work is a desire for many breastfeeding moms.
The Breastfeeding Committee applauds the efforts of moms and employers who are making breastfeeding in the workplace possible.
In Photo: Nrs. Candida McRae-Williams (center) presenting award to SDA school teachers Mr. Philemon Dupuis and Mrs. Melinda Thomas-Lake