CCE-Chautauqua is Breastfeeding Friendly

CCE Chautauqua has opened their new Lactation Room to staff and visitors

CCE Chautauqua Receives Grant to go "Breastfeeding Friendly"

Lactation Room Created for Staff and Visitors

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (September 20th, 2016) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County is excited to announce the debut of their newly established “Lactation Room”. This project was made possible through their receipt of a Breastfeeding Works Mini-Grant with the financial support of Univera Health Care, Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services, and the Chautauqua County Health Network.

The available grant funds enabled CCE-Chautauqua to purchase furnishings for the lactation room, including a small fridge for breast-milk storage and a comfortable chair for moms to nurse or pump in. They also purchased portable partition walls that were used to create a private space in an unused portion of the Frank W. Bratt Agricultural Center where CCE-Chautauqua’s office is housed. This was all done to support CCE-Chautauqua’s current policies for breastfeeding mothers returning to work, including allowing adequate time and space to pump throughout the workday. The lactation room will also be open to visitors at the Ag Center.

CCE Executive Director Emily Reynolds understands firsthand the struggles of breastfeeding and pumping when returning to work full time, her newborn is now 6 months old. Emily says, “I commend the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services and Univera Health Care for their support to new moms throughout the county. This mini grant was a significant help to CCE in providing adequate and comfortable space to support breastfeeding. CCE is happy to support our staff and program participants by providing an environment that encourages breastfeeding and eases the transition for working mothers.”

Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management Educator with CCE-Chautauqua is expecting her second child later this year and plans to breastfeed. She played a role in the application and planning processes for the lactation room. “I’m so grateful that we received this grant and I’m excited to help bring this opportunity to our staff and visitors. Previously our building had not had an adequate space for pumping, and when I returned to work after the birth of my first child, it made the transition difficult. I’m looking forward to a much smoother transition this time around since it will be easier to pump and continue breastfeeding while working,” said Walley-Stoll.

Christine Schuyler, Director of Health and Human Services in Chautauqua County, said “Re-entering the workplace is one of the biggest barriers to mothers meeting their breastfeeding goals. We’re so excited that organizations like Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County are stepping up to meet not only the needs of the mothers in their employ- but also guests to their organizations. This is a step in the right direction for moms, babies, and the health of our community.”

CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Contact

Katelyn Walley-Stoll
Team Leader, Business Management Specialist
kaw249@cornell.edu
716-640-0522

Last updated September 20, 2016