Recommendations for Infant Feeding

Compiled by: Corey Wu-Jung, MS, RD Nutritionist/Trainer

Breastfeeding Environment

A. A designated area for mothers to breastfeed their infants, other than a bathroom

Best Practice: Always available, appropriate seating, privacy, has an electrical outlet

CACFP: Reimbursable

CACFP: Proposed – Allows reimbursement when a mother breastfeeds her child onsite

CACFP: Best Practice – providing mothers with a quiet, private area to breastfeed

Corey Wu-Jung, MS, RD Nutritionist/Trainer

Breastfeeding Environment

B. Culturally appropriate breasting support

materials are displayedBest Practice: Displayed in several areas of facility and includes pictures, posters, brochures, pamphlets, and other resourcesITERS: #24 Promoting acceptance of diversity

CACFP: Best Practice – providing materials and other educational opportunities to breastfeeding mothers

Corey Wu-Jung, MS, RD Nutritionist/Trainer

Breastfeeding Environment

C. For breastfeeding mothers needing to store expressed milk, the facility provides sufficient refrigerator and freezer space

Best Practice: Always available

Licensing

Corey Wu-Jung, MS, RD Nutritionist/Trainer

Breastfeeding Environment

D. Learning and play materials for children which normalize breastfeeding

Best Practice: Toys and books portraying breastfeeding in all classrooms

ITERS: #14 Using books

Corey Wu-Jung, MS, RD Nutritionist/Trainer

Breastfeeding Environment

E. A feeding plan filled out by a parent/guardian and/or healthcare provider

Best Practice: Posted, updated regularly updated, and is used to provide a daily report to parents

ITERS: #33 Provisions for parents, #36 Staff interaction and cooperation

F. A part of the feeding plan, support for breastfeeding

Best Practice: Always included, and covers age-appropriate introduction of solid food, feeding in response to baby’s cues

ITERS: #29 Schedule

Corey Wu-Jung, MS, RD Nutritionist/Trainer

CACFP Proposed Changes to Infant Meal Pattern New age groups:

– 0 through 5 months– 6 through 11 months

Delays introduction of solid foods until 6 months Allows reimbursement when a mother breastfeeds her child onsite Requires fruit or vegetable at snack for 6-11 month age Prohibits fruit juice, cheese/cheese products Allows ready-to-eat cereal to count towards grain component at

snack

Corey Wu-Jung, MS, RD Nutritionist/Trainer

Education

A. Training on age-appropriate infant feeding practices, including safe storage/handling of human milk, is offered to providers

B. Training on promoting and supporting breastfeeding, including, exclusive breastfeeding, is offered to providers

Best Practice: 2 or more times per year

Corey Wu-Jung, MS, RD Nutritionist/Trainer

Education

C. Breastfeeding families are instructed on how to properly label and store human milk for use in the child care facility

Best Practice: 2 or more times per year

CACFP: Best Practice – Encouraging mothers to supply breast milk to their infants while in care

Corey Wu-Jung, MS, RD Nutritionist/Trainer

Policy

A. At our child care facility, a written and explicit policy for promoting and supporting breastfeeding families

Best Practice: Is written, available, followed, and always shared with parents

B. The facility’s breastfeeding-friendly policy is communicated to expectant mothers, families with infants, and visitors

Best Practice: Always

Corey Wu-Jung, MS, RD Nutritionist/Trainer

Resources

NJ DOH Sample Breastfeeding Policy

Nemours Best Practices for Healthy Eating – sample policies and tip sheets

10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding for Child Care Centers

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p0/p00022.pdfCorey Wu-Jung, MS, RD Nutritionist/Trainer

10 Steps to a Breastfeeding-Friendly Program

1. Update/change program policies

2. Conduct staff trainings

3. Communicate with families

4. Provide learning and play opportunities for children

5. Practice proper storage and labeling

6. Provide a dedicated space for nursing

7. Provide employee support

8. Create a feeding plan

9. Refer families to appropriate community programs

10. Continue to learn and provide updates to program staff

Additional Resources for Providers and Parents

La Leche League National Resource Center for Health and Safety in

Child Care and Early Education International Board Certified Lactation Consultants Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) CDC’s Breastfeeding and Early Care and

Education: Increasing Support for Breastfeeding Families