News Summary
The Knox County Health Department has partnered with the East Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition to establish lactation spaces at four local businesses. This initiative, launched in honor of World Breastfeeding Awareness Week, aims to provide breastfeeding mothers with private, comfortable areas to nurse or pump. The involved businesses include Fellowship West, Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley, River Valley Health at Cherokee Mills, and Muse Knoxville, all equipped with amenities that support nursing mothers, in compliance with Tennessee law.
Knoxville – The Knox County Health Department (KCHD) has teamed up with the East Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition to create lactation spaces at four local businesses, in recognition of World Breastfeeding Awareness Week this August. This initiative aims to provide breastfeeding mothers a comfortable and private area to nurse or pump, promoting the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby.
The four designated lactation space providers are:
- Fellowship West
- Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley
- River Valley Health at Cherokee Mills
- Muse Knoxville
These spaces are specifically designed for use by breastfeeding visitors, clients, patients, or team members, ensuring that they have access to necessary amenities during their time in these establishments. Each lactation space is equipped with a variety of features aimed at enhancing comfort, including:
- Recliners
- Nursing pillows
- Room dividers for privacy
- Side tables
- Additional relaxing items
Tennessee law mandates businesses to provide reasonable unpaid break time and a private space, separate from bathrooms, for employees to nurse or pump. This law supports the rights of nursing mothers in the workplace and emphasizes the importance of accommodating breastfeeding within local businesses.
According to KCHD Nutritionist Callie Coleman, creating lactation accommodations is key to encouraging continued breastfeeding among mothers. By providing appropriate facilities, breastfeeding mothers are more likely to engage in the practice for a longer duration, which can lead to improved health outcomes for both the mother and child.
Breastfeeding has several advantages, including promoting healthier growth and development for infants, as well as enhanced emotional bonding between mother and child. The provision of designated lactation spaces reflects a growing recognition of these benefits and the importance of supporting nursing mothers in various settings.
The partnership between KCHD and local businesses signifies a progressive step towards fostering community support for breastfeeding mothers. By participating in this initiative, these businesses not only comply with state requirements but also demonstrate their commitment to health and wellness in the community.
As World Breastfeeding Awareness Week approaches, the recognition and establishment of lactation spaces serve as a reminder of the essential role that breastfeeding plays in child health and maternal well-being. The Knox County Health Department, along with the East Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition, encourages other businesses to consider similarly creating lactation spaces to further support nursing mothers in the region.
The creation of these lactation spaces is a significant milestone in promoting breastfeeding awareness in Knoxville, providing mothers with the essential support they need while navigating their daily routines. This initiative serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of supporting families in their breastfeeding journeys and making communities more accessible to all.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Breastfeeding Space Makeover
- Wikipedia: Breastfeeding
- WLTX: Car Crash in Knoxville Nursing Home
- Google Search: Breastfeeding Benefits
- Knox News: 40 Under 40 – Jade Potter
- Google Scholar: Breastfeeding Support
- WBIR: Person Killed in Nursing Home Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Breastfeeding
- 3B Media News: Car Crashes Into Nursing Home
- Google News: Breastfeeding Awareness
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
