North Dakota HHS Recognizes Williston State As Infant Friendly

The designation represents WSC's commitment to both offer better childcare accommodations for employees as well as its foray into childcare education.

The announcement comes on the heels of Williston State College announcing that the state-of-the-art Bright Beginnings Daycare, located within the Crighton Building, will offer not only daycare but also credit hours for WSC Students pursuing elementary education with an early childhood endorsement.

Employers who implement a workplace breastfeeding policy that includes the following:

• Flexible working hours, which allow for breaks and allow for work schedules that allow for breast-milk expression.

• A place that is practical, hygienic, secure, and private (not a bathroom), offering privacy for breastfeeding or breast-milk expression.

• A nearby water supply that is easy to use, safe, and has sinks for hand cleaning and rinsing breast pumping supplies.

• A handy location for short-term breast milk storage, like a cooler or refrigerator. Research suggests that breastfeeding has advantages for the employer as well.

These advantages include reduced medical expenses due to the health benefits of nursing, less absenteeism, and decreased turnover rates due to the higher likelihood of women returning to their old positions if the employer supports breastfeeding moms. Employers may save a lot of money using these benefits.

“A special Thank you to our Grant Writer, Mr. Cade Coles. Mr. Coles single-handedly pursued the grant, was awarded the money for the initiative, and did the setup of the room. The space is comfortable and inviting to mothers using this space. We are pleased for WSC to now be considered an Infant Friendly Workplace,” stated WSC President Dr. Bernell Hirning.

Workplaces interested in joining the list of recognized organizations can find resources for supporting their employees and the simple application at HERE.

For more information about the Infant Friendly Workplace designation, contact Mikaela Schlosser, North Dakota Health and Human Services Department at 701.328.4529.

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