Back to Work and Breastfeeding
The Business Case for Breastfeeding
Encouraging women to breastfeed their infants is a National Health Goal supported by numerous federal, medical and professional organizations.
We know that 60% of women with children under the age of three are in the workforce. Most moms are going back to work before their infant is six months old, so we need to help moms with Lactation Programs in the workplace. With a little help, moms can keep nursing at home and pump at work. We are very fortunate in Connecticut to be one of the states that has already passed laws that protect women’s rights to nurse in public and express milk at work.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has created a tool kit to help, “The Business Case for Breastfeeding.” It is actually just as easy to convince employers of the benefits as it is to convince new families of the health benefits for mom and baby.
Supporting breastfeeding is not just the healthy thing to do; it does have financial and other benefits as well. Lactation support reduces absenteeism, reduces health care costs, increases retention and saves money from the cost of replacing employees. Some companies set up a workplace lactation program that offers hospital grade electric pumps and kits, education and support by Lactation Consultants. All women need is a private room and access to a sink. They can bring their pump from home and pump on their scheduled breaks. Nursing an infant on mom’s lunch break is another great way to keep the health benefit going.