Central Lakes College was recently certified as a Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace by the Minnesota Department of Health for its contributions to the health of mothers and their babies.

Central Lakes College recently added a designated mother’s room on their Brainerd campus for students, faculty, and the CLC community. The Minnesota Department of Health recognizes workplaces and county health departments that have demonstrated their commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers.

“We’re really pleased to just recently be awarded the certification to let everyone know that we really want to be in the forefront in providing accommodations so that working moms, whether they are faculty, staff, or our students, have a place where they can provide for their families and meet their day-to-day needs,” said Nick Heisserer, CLC Director of Admissions and Registration.

A mother’s room was created on the CLC campus after students approached members of the administration wanting a safe and private place for mothers to be able go for to provide for their family. Students took the lead in finding a suitable room, designing the room, and making it what it is today.

“It’s a place for students, staff members, local community members to come and actually feel relaxed, allow them to still be able to provide for their child instead of just going out in the public which some people don’t feel comfortable with,” explained Jenni Brose, CLC Assistant Director of TRIO Upward Bound, who has used the mother’s room. “So it’s kind of a safe for them to come and continue to provide for their child.”

The Minnesota Department of Health’s recognition program was created and is supported by the state Women, Infant, and Children program, or WIC, and the State Health Improvement Partnership.

By — Rachel Johnson

Lakeland News Lead Reporter