Chillicothe named one of Missouri's "Breastfeeding Friendly Cities"

The City of Chillicothe recently learned it has been awarded the Missouri Department of Health's "Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite Award" and named one of Missouri’s “Breastfeeding Friendly Cities.”  Chillicothe is the fourth municipality in the state to receive the honor, joining Springfield, Joplin and Jefferson City.

The Livingston County Health Center used monies from the Missouri Department of Health Maternal Child Health Section to purchase hospital-grade Medela breast pumps and pumping kits for the City of Chillicothe.  The pump and kits will be available to be used throughout the city departments including City Hall, Fire Station, Police Station, Green Hills Golf Course, and the Parks and Street Department.  Seven other local businesses have participated in the program and received the award.

Haleigh Heldenbrand, assistant to City Manager Ike Holland, applied for the Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Business and was awarded the Silver Award by the State of Missouri.  Livingston County Health Center would like to congratulate the City of Chillicothe on their hard work and dedication to the health of our city and the support of their breastfeeding employees.

"The award is given to employers who are friendly to those who are breast feeding. It's not only employee-friendly, but family-friendly," said Anita Perry, RN, IBCLC and coordinator of the Livingston County Health Center’s Breastfeeding Support Program.

“Receiving this award is not just the result of providing a quiet place to pump or nurse for staff. Creating a culture of support to women who wish to nurse is very important to long term success of breastfeeding, and we truly commend our local businesses who have taken steps to support local families,” said Perry.

“About 77 percent of women initiate breast feeding. The problem is it's very difficult to sustain, especially when rejoining the workforce.  It takes a team, and yes, a village effort to do the things required to have a successful breastfeeding experience.” 

Chillicothe also boasts seven businesses who have taken steps to become a “Breastfeeding Welcomed Here Business.”  To obtain this designation, the business and its employees confirm that they have a welcoming and friendly attitude toward mothers who come into their business or store and need to nurse their baby/child.  They provide a chair or booth in a quiet or private area such as a corner or dressing room where the mother can nurse her child. 

If you are a business that would like to become designated as breastfeeding friendly, you can fill out an application at our website 

www.livcohealthcenter.com under the tab “breastfeeding” or call the health center at 646-5506 for more information.