Breastfeeding Information for Childcare Providers

Most children attend some form of childcare before they are in kindergarten. Children often spend upwards of eight hours a day in the childcare setting. Therefore, childcare providers are extremely important in supporting breastfeeding.

What you should do

Tell moms about the benefits of breastfeeding

Breastmilk:

• Contains nutrients that reduce infections and food allergies.
• Protects against asthma and diabetes.
• Enhances brain development.
• May protect against obesity

 

Breastfeeding:

• Helps mothers recover from pregnancy and get back into shape more quickly.
• Protects against some type of cancer.
• Saves time and money.

Support breastfeeding mothers in the childcare setting

• Offer moms a comfortable place to pump breastmilk or breastfeed her baby when she visits.
• Feed a baby infant formula only if her mom requests it.
• Encourage moms to provide a back-up supply of frozen or refrigerated pumped breastmilk in case the baby needs to eat more often than usual.
• Share information about other places in the community that can answer her questions and concerns about breastfeeding.