Breastfeeding

Supporting Breastfeeding Families & Staff

Effective: [Month, Year] | Reviewed Annually

At Country Lane Early Learning, we recognize breastfeeding as an important part of healthy infant growth, development, nutrition, and family bonding. We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment for breastfeeding families while honoring each family's individual feeding choices and needs.

Support for Breastfeeding Families

• Mothers are welcome to breastfeed their child on-site during childcare operating hours.

• A clean, private, and comfortable area is available for breastfeeding or pumping if desired.

• The breastfeeding area includes comfortable seating, access to an electrical outlet, and nearby running water.

• Families are encouraged to communicate openly regarding feeding schedules, preferences, and individual infant needs.

Storage & Handling of Breast Milk

• A refrigerator is available for storing expressed breast milk.

• All breast milk containers must be clearly labeled with the child's full name and date.

• Families are responsible for providing labeled bottles or approved storage containers.

• Breast milk is stored, prepared, and served according to recommended health and safety guidelines to help ensure proper handling and minimal waste.

Infant Feeding Practices

• Staff work closely with families to follow each infant's feeding schedule and individual needs.

• Whenever possible, bottle feedings may be delayed briefly if a breastfeeding parent is expected to arrive soon.

• Formula, breast milk, and solid foods are provided only according to parent instructions.

• Infants are always held during bottle feedings. Bottles are never propped.

• Infant feeding routines are handled with patience, responsiveness, and individual attention.

Staff Training & Safe Handling Procedures

• Caregivers receive training regarding proper breast milk storage, handling, preparation, and feeding procedures.

• Country Lane Early Learning follows guidance from trusted organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• These procedures help ensure breast milk is handled safely, respectfully, and with care.

Support for Breastfeeding Employees

• Employees who are breastfeeding or expressing milk are provided reasonable break time and a private space, other than a bathroom, consistent with the federal PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act.

• Flexible scheduling may be arranged when appropriate while maintaining proper supervision and care for children.

Breastfeeding Education & Resources

• Breastfeeding information and educational resources are available to families upon request.

• Positive and supportive breastfeeding information may be displayed throughout the childcare environment.

• Families may request additional breastfeeding education materials or local support resources if desired.

Questions & Program Contact

Questions about breastfeeding support or milk storage may be directed to: Sara Kingston, Program Coordinator/Director, sara@countrylaneearlylearning.com, (435) 255-8499.

Our goal is to provide a warm, nurturing, and supportive environment where all families feel respected, comfortable, and supported in making feeding choices that best meet the needs of their child and family.