Breastfeeding your baby has become easier than ever! Today’s parents may be surprised to learn that employers and daycare centers must follow regulations that make breastfeeding easier. The Arkansas Department of Health works with teams, employers, and childcare centers to help breastfeeding work for you.

Breastfeeding and Breastmilk in Daycare Centers

Did you know that new rules are making daycare centers improve – and encourage – breastfeeding? All licensed centers in Arkansas must allow and even encourage breastfeeding at child care centers. Childcare centers that participate in “Child and Adult Care Food Program” link to resources  encourages that babies be fed breastmilk instead of formula. This program also requires daycare centers to allow children to breastfeed without a medical excuse from a physician. USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

Daycare centers can to make breastfeeding easier too! Breastfeeding has become an important part of several nutrition programs for infants and young children.

• As of October 2017, centers enrolled in Child and Adult Care Food Program will be reimbursed meal payments when a breastfeeding mother comes to center and breastfeeds her infant.
• Let’s Move Child Care – lets centers assess and improve breastfeeding policies.
• Caring For Our Children explains national gold standards for breastfeeding and breastmilk feeding in daycare centers.
• Go Nap SACC provides another assessment with breastfeeding recommendations. Although the program is not free, many childcare education providers offer the program, including coaching and support.

Working Moms: The Right to Pump Breastmilk

Arkansas Act 621 of 2009 (link to regulation page) requires employers to provide break time, including a clean private room, to pump breastmilk. Workplace pumping Law.

See what businesses in Arkansas have committed to becoming “breastfeeding friendly,” a project of the Arkansas Breastfeeding Coalition and members of the Arkansas Department of Health.

Hospitals Supporting Breastfeeding

Some hospitals are working to provide the best care for breastfeeding infants and mothers. The Arkansas Department of Health partners with the Arkansas Breastfeeding Coalition and others to help hospitals tackle the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” and even bigger changes to help for breastfeeding women.

Direct Support

Didn’t find what you were looking for here? Local health units provide WIC staff qualified in breastfeeding support and counseling.  You can also get help with breastfeeding 24 hours a day/seven days a week by calling the Arkansas WIC Breastfeeding Helpline at 1-800-445-6175.