In an attempt to improve the health outcomes of babies and children, and to set an example to other worksites and businesses in Allen County, the Allen County Health Department has signed a “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” pledge.  

By taking the “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” pledge, the Health Department agrees to provide a welcoming environment where breastfeeding mothers are able to sit anywhere and enjoy a welcoming attitude from staff, management and, to the fullest extent possible, other patrons while breastfeeding.

In accordance with the pledge, the health department has placed the “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” logo on the door windows to be in full view to all who enter the establishment.

Staff members are knowledgeable of how to handle complaints about breastfeeding and a private breastfeeding area is available to those who wish to have privacy while breastfeeding.  Staff and concerned customers will be informed that breastfeeding in public is protected by Ohio state law, Ohio Revised Code 3781.55, and that this business welcomes breastfeeding patrons. 

Well documented benefits of breastfeeding include:
• Increased mother/infant bonding
• Reduced health care costs
• Less environmental waste
• Reduced infant mortality
• Decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, GI infections, obesity, diabetes, and many others. 

Breastfeeding also contributes to a more productive workforce since mothers miss less work to care for sick infants.  Employer medical costs are also lower.

The health department joins Allen County WIC and the City of Lima in signing the “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” pledge.  For more information on how your business can take the pledge, visit the Activate Allen County website at www.activateallencounty.com and click on Breastfeeding Support in the Workplace under the Healthy Workplace tab.