By Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera

On the second Sunday of this month, we celebrated Mother’s Day and I would like to wish all a very happy belated holiday. It is so important that we recognize the role that women and caregivers play in raising our children. It truly takes a village.

Mothers who are able and who choose to nurse their babies must receive the support necessary to do so. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics and many other health organizations strongly support breastfeeding. Breastfed infants have a reduced risk for chronic conditions like asthma, type 1 diabetes, ear infections and sudden infant death syndrome. Mothers also benefit from with a reduced risk for high pressure, type 2 diabetes and cancers.

These health benefits for mom and baby are supported by Live Well Erie and specifically our Children’s Working Group. This group has set goals, including the aspiration that children will achieve comprehensive health care, and that children will realize their greatest potential. Allowing mothers to continue nursing their infants is one of the first, and most critical, steps in setting children up for a healthy life.

That is why I am pleased that on June 7, a new labor law supporting nursing mothers will go into effect in New York State. Section 206-c of NYS Labor Law will require places of employment to provide a space for new mothers to express breast milk.

As a mother, I know how important this legislation is, and at Erie County we are ready to assist all to meet these new standards. Here in Erie County, we support maternal health and breastfeeding through our Office of Health Equity. This wonderful team is ready to help businesses and organizations prepare for these new state requirements and will assist in designating “breastfeeding-friendly” workplaces. Employers can call Community Wellness staff at 716-858-7277 for information.

I personally know how difficult it is to return to work following maternity leave. Arranging for childcare while playing catch-up at work is something that I, as a mother, found overwhelming. Moms should not have to fight the added burden of scrambling to find an area of the office that is secure, clean and comfortable in order to pump their infant’s meals.

Regardless of the size or nature of their business, employers will need to provide a lactation area that meets the following conditions for any mother who requests a space to express milk during the workday:

• Close proximity to work area

• Well-lit

• Shielded from view, and free from intrusion from other persons in the workplace or the public

• Contain a chair and working surface

• Be near to clean running water and an electrical outlet

• Not be a restroom or toilet stall

While this new legislation has a positive impact for families, employers and the larger economy will also benefit. No new parent should have to make a choice between nursing their baby and staying at their job. I am appreciative that we will soon see such great support for our working mothers!

Below are additional resources for both families and employers:

• New York State Department of Labor (dol.ny.gov)

• New York State Department of Health (health.ny.gov)

• WIC Works Resource System (wicworks .fns.usda.gov)