[Lecanto, Fla.] — Nature Coast Preschool in Homosassa recently became Citrus County’s first childcare provider to receive the Florida Breastfeeding Coalition’s Breastfeeding-friendly title. Gloria Klement’s preschool was recognized by both the Department of Health and Florida Breastfeeding Coalition for creating a welcoming environment for mothers to breastfeed and for providing resources and support.
“It’s always hard to go back to work after being on maternity leave and trusting someone with your baby,” states mother of two Kathryn Defranco. “Nature Coast Preschool has made the transition much easier with the support and help they have provided. Being able to go and breastfeed on my lunch breaks and knowing the staff is knowledgeable has given me the peace of mind to continue to successfully breastfeed even when returning to work.”
This certification is awarded to childcare programs that have completed staff training, provide a space for nursing moms, and feed babies the breastmilk supplied by the parents. They are also required to have and follow a written breastfeeding policy.
“It’s that bond that we want to support,” says Director Gloria Klement. With more than 30 years of experience she knows how important childcare centers are for families when they return to work, “We don’t want to take the place of the family role so encouraging parents to come and feed their baby just makes sense.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding for six months and continuing with breastmilk and solid foods for at least one year. With the continued issues with formula in our country the more families that can successfully feed their babies human milk the better.
For more information about FDOH-Citrus, go to citrus.floridahealth.gov or follow us on Twitter at @FLHealthCitrus.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by thePublic Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
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