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 displayed Best Practice: Displayed in several areas of facility and includes pictures, posters, brochures, pamphlets, and other resources ITERS: #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 publications/p0/p00022.pdf Corey 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