Patricia’s Daycare, a recently established childcare facility located in Poplar Bluff and owned by Patricia Voyles, has been honored with the Gold Star Award for its commitment to creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers.
The recognition was granted as part of the Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite Program, a joint effort between the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Missouri Breastfeeding Coalition.
The program aims to educate employers on the importance of providing lactation support within the workplace and to acknowledge businesses that actively support their breastfeeding employees.
Jentsy Philpot, Butler County WIC breastfeeding peer counselor and Morgan Leach, WIC coordinator for Butler County, presented the award to Voyles.
Employers participating in the “Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite Award” undergo evaluation based on three levels of support, gold, silver and bronze. Businesses that fulfill these levels are acknowledged within their local community as well as statewide.
Voyles ensures that her daycare facility is conducive to breastfeeding, offering a designated space that provides comfort and privacy for employees who need to breastfeed.
“So basically, Patricia offers a breastfeeding-friendly worksite. If she has anybody that’s employed here that’s needing to breastfeed, she has a space that they can comfortably do that,” said Leach. “A space, that’s not a bathroom, equipped with a refrigerator that they can store milk in and a nice quiet room so they can breastfeed without interruption and distractions.”
The Department of Health and Senior Services website states by fostering a breastfeeding-friendly environment, employers can potentially enjoy various benefits, including reduced absenteeism, lower health care expenses, enhanced employee productivity, improved recruitment and retention of valuable staff and a positive reputation as a family-friendly workplace within the community.
To access a list of businesses that have been acknowledged for their breastfeeding-friendly practices or to review the award’s criteria, visit the website at www.health.mo.gov.