Establish workplace programs that promote breastfeeding

« Go Back Establish workplace programs that promote breastfeeding

Why:

Reduces turnover; mothers are more likely to return to work after having a baby.

Reduces sick time; breastfed babies are less likely to be ill.

Improves productivity, loyalty, employee satisfaction, and moral.

Creates a reputation of a company concerned for the health and wellness of its employees and their families.

Offers a recruitment incentive for women.

Can lower health care costs by an average savings of $400 per baby over the first year.

Can decrease the cost of health insurance.

How:

Develop a support system by creating a breastfeeding task force.

Provide a clean, private comfortable space to pump or breastfeed (not a bathroom); with a sink nearby for hand washing and washing of pump parts.

Communicate breastfeeding support policies to all employees.

Consider flexible scheduling options, part-time work, or job-sharing for breastfeeding women.

Allow sufficient break time for mothers to breastfeed or express milk.

Be aware of and support breastfeeding promotion policies in legislation.

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthier Worksite Initiative Lactation Support Program Toolkit: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/hwi/toolkits/lactation/index.htm

Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Coalition: http://www.pabreastfeeding.org/

LaLeche League International: www.lalecheleague.org

International Lactation Consultant Association: www.ilca.org

National Women’s Health Information Center: www.4woman.gov/Breastfeeding

United States Breastfeeding Committee: www.usbreastfeeding.org

Washington Business Group on Health: www.wbgh.org

Other resources for nursing mothers:
• Maternal and Family Health Services Inc. Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) 800-367-6347 or www.mfhs.org
• Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Healthy Baby Line 800-986-BABY

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