 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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Breastfeeding
Working
Mom
