Freedom to Nurse: Groups Seek Nominations for Breastfeeding Friendly Business Awards

Washtenaw County’s Breastfeeding Friendly Business Awards have special significance this year now that MIchigan, one of the last holdouts, legally protects nursing mothers’ rights to breastfeed their babies in public places without fear of being kicked out.

It’s the sixth year for the awards, which recognize businesses that go beyond basic accommodations for breastfeeding moms. Nominations are due by Friday, July 18, and a ceremony honoring the local award winners and celebrating the passage of Michigan’s Breastfeeding Anti-Discrimination Act will be held Aug. 22.

The legislation (Michigan Senate Bill 674) protects the right of mothers to breastfeed in any space that is open to the public, such as stores, restaurants and public transportation. Michigan joins 46 other states that have similar legislation in place.

The local business awards are sponsored by Washtenaw County Public Health and the Washtenaw County Breastfeeding Coalition.

“We’re incredibly pleased that the right to nurse in public is now legally protected in Michigan, but we’re also committed to honoring local organizations that go above and beyond to support breastfeeding mothers, their babies and their families,” said Washtenaw County Health Officer Ellen Rabinowitz.

Related:

• One of the Last Holdouts, Michigan Finally Protects Nursing Moms

Nominations for the 2014 Breastfeeding Friendly Business Awards may be submitted by the businesses themselves or by employees or customers. Since 2011, employers have been required to provide pumping accommodations to their breastfeeding employees; however, many have gone above and beyond this basic requirement.

“We want to recognize those corporations big and small that are supporting the health of moms, babies and families by supporting breastfeeding,” said Washtenaw County Breastfeeding Coordinator and Coalition Co-Char Gayathri Akella “The freedom to nurse or pump comfortably – when needed – is critical.”

How to nominate a local business that provides exemplary support to breastfeeding employees, customers or both:

• Follow this link to an online survey.

Anyone seeking information on breastfeeding or seeking help with workplace lactation support is encouraged to contact Gayathri Akella at (734) 545-3139 or akellag@ewashtenaw.org.

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In the photo above, Washtenaw County Public Health and Washtenaw County Breastfeeding Coalition staff members witnessed the signing of the legislation in support of Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor), a long-time champion of public breastfeeding who worked to guarantee this protection for Michigan mothers. Pictured in Lansing on June 24 are, from left: