Sedgwick County Awarded for Supporting Breastfeeding Employees

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – Sedgwick County has received the Gold Level “Breastfeeding Employees Support Award” from the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition and its Business Case for Breastfeeding program. 

The award recognizes businesses that provide support services to their breastfeeding employees, including time and private space at work to nurse and/or pump breastmilk. The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition highlighted Sedgwick County’s “Gold Level” pumping room, its written policy of breastfeeding support and flexible time options for employees to pump.

 “Sedgwick County recognizes the health benefits of breastfeeding, both to the mother and the child, and we want to do everything we can to support our employees who continue breastfeeding while working,” said Sheena Schmutz, Chief Human Resources Officer for Sedgwick County.

 Many mothers who do not get adequate support at work abandon breastfeeding, according to the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition; yet those businesses who support breastfeeding employees see lower absenteeism, reduced turnover rates, increased employee loyalty and health care savings.

 “It’s a win-win situation for Sedgwick County and its staff,” agreed Schmutz. “We value our working moms and helping those who are breastfeeding fosters a happy and healthy environment where we can all be productive.”