Building
Workplace Support
Building Workplace Support
How to educate employers on the benefits of breastfeeding and
recognize their efforts
  One of the toughest challenges for some breastfeeding moms
is returning to work while continuing to offer their babies the best
nutrition available. Finding ample time and a comfortable place to
either nurse your baby or pump breastmilk during the workday can be
difficult. However, as more and more employers realize the benefits of
supporting breastfeeding moms, including reduced absenteeism, reduced
healthcare costs and happier employers, more breastfeeding moms are
finding it easier to return to work.Because of the overwhelming health benefits of breastfeeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics not only recommends that babies be breastfed for at least one year, but that employers provide a place for moms to nurse and pump, and suggest that insurance companies pay for lactation consultant services. Motherwear, the leading catalog for nursing mothers, has been instrumental in getting more businesses to support nursing mothers. The company's "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" Campaign encourages businesses to provide a clean, comfortable place for both employees and customers to nurse their babies. As part of the program, businesses are sent a "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" decal that can be displayed in their store window or elsewhere in the business. Businesses are also sent a "Worksite Support for Lactating Employees" brochure, which includes information about the benefits they will receive for supporting breastfeeding in the workplace, as well as a list of breastfeeding resources. And, Motherwear offers free breastfeeding guides to businesses to distribute to nursing employees and display in their corporate lactation rooms. |
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