At an Idaho Falls event celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, Eastern Idaho Public Health’s (EIPH) WIC program presented Melaleuca with the Worksite Breastfeeding Advocate Award. The award recognizes Melaleuca as a workplace environment that is inclusive of breastfeeding mothers.
Melaleuca’s recently built home office includes rooms specifically designated as “mothers lounges” where breastfeeding moms can take pump breaks whenever they need to. Melaleuca also provides nursing mothers free breastfeeding and pumping equipment.
In addition to the lounges and equipment at its home office, Melaleuca offers a free “Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby” program that supports breastfeeding moms with educational resources and access to a maternity nurse. Melaleuca’s efforts to support and encourage nursing mothers are part of its overall mission of enhancing lives and promoting total wellness.
Melaleuca’s breastfeeding accommodations and the EIPH breastfeeding awareness efforts are featured in an East Idaho News story. A Local News 8 video also features the event where Melaleuca was honored as a breastfeeding-friendly worksite.
WIC’s BEST (Breastfeeding Education and Support Team) council helps moms and employers work together to make sure babies get the nutrition they need. As part of the WIC program, breastfeeding information is made available to nursing mothers, as are lactation consultants and peer mentorship provided by WIC mothers who have breastfeeding experience and training.
Created in 1972 , WIC—the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children—is a federally funded service aimed at providing healthcare and nutrition assistance to eligible families. In addition to breastfeeding support and information, WIC services include healthy foods, nutrition and health information, health screenings, referrals to health and social services, and access to licensed dietitians.
