Lactation

Lactation Friendly Environment child care Toolkit REsources

Did you know that the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) offers reimbursement for human milk, regardless of a child's age? They will even reimburse if a parent comes in to lactate at the child care facility. According to CACFP, human milk counts as the fluid milk component of a meal or snack for children of any age. The reimbursement rates for infants are the same as those for older children, and breast milk is reimbursed just like any other fluid milk.

Returning to work after childbirth can be a daunting experience for many parents, filled with a mix of emotions and challenges. The anxiety of being separated from your baby is real, and the concern of not being able to continue to lactate can make it even more overwhelming. But it’s important to remember that human milk is the best nutrition for infants and toddlers. That’s where the Lactation Friendly Environment Child Care Program comes in. Our goal is to recognize child care providers who create supportive, lactation friendly environments for families.

We’re here to help you every step of the way. Once a child care center meets all the necessary criteria, they’ll be featured on our website and receive a certificate that can be displayed at their center.

For more information, feel free to contact us at lactation@co.snohomish.wa.us or call 425-252-5580.

The Words We Use

Throughout this website, the terms "lactate" and "lactating" will both be used to describe the process of milk production in breast tissue as well as the act of children ingesting human milk.

Disclaimer

Some of the resources and documents we share may still use the term "breastfeeding," and while we are aware of this non-inclusive language, we provide these materials to ensure you have access to a wide range of helpful resources.

You may also come across other terms, such as "chestfeeding," which are intended to be inclusive of individuals who do not identify as female.

Your right to Lactate

mother breastfeeding newbornWashington State protects an individual's right to lactate in public places, including parks, buses, stores, and government buildings.

All individuals should know their lactation rights - especially those headed back to work. Employers are required to provide breastfeeding women with a reasonable break time and a private space (not a bathroom) to express milk during the work day until their child is 1 year old.

Click here to read more about lactation laws in Washington.

Celebrate breastfeeding through images with our Breastfeeding Tree of Life (PDF).