COVID-19 Guidance Update

The COVID-19 guidance for child care facilities was most recently updated on July 6, 2021, to reflect updates in the state mask mandates. Masks are not required outdoors, although keeping children spaced apart as much as possible is still advisable as they are not yet eligible for vaccination. You can find the most recent version of  the guidance from the Washington State Department of Health here. Masks are still required for all adults and children age 5 and older inside child care facilities. Masks are strongly advised for children ages 2-4.

In light of the case counts, hospitalizations and the highly transmissible delta variant, the Snohomish Health District’s Health Officer has joined other public health leaders in reiterating the importance of vaccination and urging masking for everyone entering a public indoor space, regardless of vaccination status.

To see the latest case counts for Snohomish County, visit our website.

Brain Building Basics ® with Vroom 

Common Barriers to Breastfeeding Success 

Child health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life followed by the introduction of complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or older. This guidance is based on the many known health benefits of breastfeeding for both the infant and the breastfeeding caregiver. We discussed these benefits in our last newsletter which you can read here.  

The Centers for Disease Control reports that 60% of mothers stop breastfeeding before they intend to. So, knowing the professional guidance, why do so many mothers stop breastfeeding early? There are many challenges that mothers face to initiating or continuing breastfeeding for their infant. These challenges span from personal, to professional, to the community. Some mother’s may stop breastfeeding early due to problems with latching or lactation, due to lack of family support, due to concerns over infant nutrition or weight, due to social norms or embarrassment. Furthermore, mother’s may quit breastfeeding when they return to work due to a lack of support in the work environment or because they are unsure how to work with their child care to continue breastfeeding their infant.  

As child care providers, you have the unique ability to support mothers and families along their breastfeeding journey by providing an environment, culture, policies, and procedures that promote and facilitate breastfeeding for both employees and families in your care. There are several things you can do at your child care to become “breastfeeding friendly.” This includes having a breastfeeding policy, providing staff education about breastfeeding, including breastfeeding resources and breastfeeding friendly children’s books in your facility, having a designated comfortable and private space for breastfeeding or breastmilk pumping, and several more. 

Keep your eye out for our upcoming newsletters where we will continue to discuss topics related to breastfeeding and exploring how you can become a breastfeeding friendly child care center.