Breastfeeding Toolkit for Businesses
Breastfeeding provides many health benefits for both babies and breastfeeding parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that, for the first six months, the breastfeeding parent feed their babies only breast milk. After that, breastfeeding is recommended for a year or longer, while starting on other foods.
After returning to work, many breastfeeding parents want to continue to provide breast milk to their infants. Employers are encouraged to support their employees who breastfeed by establishing a workplace lactation policy. This policy should designate a private, comfortable lactation room and provide employees with ample time to express (pump) their breast milk at work.
The NYC Department of Health's Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness worked with local companies to create a breastfeeding toolkit that can help small businesses make their spaces more welcoming for breastfeeding employees and customers. This is part of our effort to empower new parents to be able to breastfeed or express milk comfortably and safely in a public setting.
Toolkit Assets
To order copies of any of the below assets, call 311.
- "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" Business Pledge (PDF)
- "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" Decal (PDF)
Other Languages: Español - "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" Sign (PDF)
- Why Breastfeed? (PDF)
Other Languages: Español - Breastfeeding-Friendly Businesses (PDF)
- New York Breastfeeding Laws (PDF)
- Sample Policies for Supporting Pregnant and Breastfeeding Employees (PDF)
- New York City Pregnancy Rights Poster (PDF)
Other Languages: Español
Additional Resources
- WomensHealth.gov: Business Case for Breastfeeding
- The NYC Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | 中文 | 한국어 | Русский | Français | العربية | বাংলা | اردو - You Have the Right to Breastfeed Palm Card (PDF)
Other Languages: Español - New York State: Making It Work Toolkit