Erie County recognizes 7 organizations during National Breastfeeding Awareness Month

Workplaces that remove barriers to breastfeeding and milk expression for employees are supporting better health outcomes for new parents and their infants 

Submitted by the Erie County Department of Health

Erie County is acknowledging National Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August by designating seven organizations as breastfeeding, chestfeeding and lactation-friendly worksites. This brings the total number of organizations in this program to 57 and more than 86 worksites, inclusive of tens of thousands of workers in Erie County. 

Breastfeeding-friendly workplaces contribute to healthier outcomes for new parents and their children, while improving business measures like employee retention and satisfaction, lowering medical expenses and reducing employee absenteeism. 

The Erie County Department of Health recognized newly designated organizations during the New York State Department of Labor’s Western New York Regional Career Fair at the Lincoln Park Athletic Complex in Tonawanda. 

Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Calming Nature Doula, CINQCARE, Mental Health Advocates of WNY, and Rosina Food Products received new designations. Beechwood Continuing Care and BestSelf Behavioral Health were recognized as adding worksites in 2026. 

“This type of employer support for workers after the birth of a baby is win-win. It can ease the minds of parents anxious over how they can feed their infants, and promote a healthier and more productive work environment,” Deputy Erie County Executive Lisa Chimera said. “The first weeks and months after birth can be overwhelming, especially as a new parent balances their personal needs, household demands and professional obligations. Erie County’s program supports parents who choose to express milk at work by helping workplaces offer policies, practices and dedicated spaces for pumping or nursing.” 

Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein shared remarks about the program and encouragement to job seekers at the event. 

“Even a relatively small change to a workplace, like a dedicated, comfortable lactation room or updated policies, can make a world of difference for an employee,” Burstein said. “Public health emphasizes systems changes, and this program contributes to an economy and a society that improves maternal and child health outcomes. And with changes to New York state’s regulations, our program can also help employers follow the law.” 

The benefits of human milk for infants are clear. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months. After that, continue breastfeeding while introducing solid foods, for as long as it’s mutually desired – up to 2 years or beyond.

Erie County offers resources to employers through its breastfeeding, chestfeeding and lactation-friendly worksite program. This supports employers in providing private, comfortable spaces to breastfeed/chestfeed or pump at work. Currently, more than 50 businesses and organizations have achieved this worksite designation. 

ECDOH has resources on establishing a breastfeeding, chestfeeding and lactation-friendly worksite. Call 716-858-4752, email healthequity@erie.gov or visit http://erie.gov/breastfeeding.