St. Louis, MO – November 26, 2024
Saint Louis, Missouri – Cornerstone Center for Early Learning has joined a growing number of Missouri businesses in becoming a Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite. Breastfeeding-friendly employers provide time, space, and other benefits to maintain nursing after a parent returns to work. Employers who provide these supports see a positive impact on their business’s bottom line.
The Friends of Cornerstone Center spearheaded a renovation project to meet the need for a designated breastfeeding space. Cornerstone equipped the room with comfortable furnishings and designed it with privacy in mind. This inviting space ensures parents can feel at ease while feeding or expressing milk, and reflects Cornerstone’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere. Cornerstone’s breastfeeding space will serve as a dual-purpose area, providing a private setting for therapy sessions when not in use for nursing.
“We want our employees and parents who are new mothers to feel supported in their decision to continue breastfeeding,” said Karen Lucy, Executive Director. “We are extremely pleased to be designated as a Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite.”
The Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite Program is a collaboration between the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Missouri Breastfeeding Coalition. The program aims to bring an increased awareness about the importance of worksite lactation support. Employers that provide lactation support services report higher employee retention, lower absenteeism, higher morale, greater productivity and reduced health care costs. Many studies have also shown improved short- and long-term health of the breastfeeding mother and her child.
About Cornerstone Center for Early Learning
Cornerstone Center for Early Learning is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and support services for children and families in the St. Louis area. Our mission is to nurture confident young minds and support all families.
About Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksites
Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksites represent a wide range of employment sectors, settings and worksite sizes. To be designated as a Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite, an employer must submit an application to the DHSS. For more information on the Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksites Program, visit the program’s website or contact the state breastfeeding coordinator at 573-751-6468 or by email at breastfeeding@health.mo.gov.