Lactation and the Workplace: Where Business and Breastfeeding Come Together

Glenni Lorick, Editor-in-Chief

By Glenni Lorick

Supporting their breastfeeding employees is good business for employers. Across the country small, medium and large businesses are discovering that they save money, reduce absenteeism, and dramatically increase employee satisfaction when they offer a corporate lactation program.

The Health Resources and Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services has designed a resource called The Business Case for Breastfeeding which outlines steps for creating a breastfeeding friendly workplace. Workplace lactation support requires remarkably few resources. A good program will incorporate the following four elements:

• A private, sanitary place with access to running water for mothers to express their milk.
• Flexible breaks for mothers to pump.
• Education for expectant employees and new mothers.
• Support for nursing mothers, from both supervisors and also health care professionals who can provide expert breastfeeding support.

In Alabama, the Alabama Breastfeeding Committee and the Alabama Department of Public Health are committed to encouraging businesses to support their breastfeeding employees. They have established a Workplace Recognition Program for companies who offer corporate lactation programs. Companies are invited to complete the United States Breastfeeding Committee checklist, “Accommodations for Breastfeeding in the Workplace” and to develop a written company policy that states the company’s support of breastfeeding and describes the worksite accommodations. More information is available at ADPH. All local companies who receive this distinction will be recognized in Valley Babies as “Breastfeeding Friendly Workplaces.”

A Nurturing Moment (256-489-2590) is committed to helping local businesses create programs for their employees which will not only benefit nursing mothers, but will also increase profit margins. With two International Board Certified Lactation Consultants available, an extensive breast pump rental program, and the Valley’s largest selection of breastfeeding related accessories, A Nurturing Moment has the necessary resources to help area companies achieve recognition as Breastfeeding Friendly.

Glenni Lorick is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in private practice at A Nurturing Moment. She is also the publisher of Valley Babies magazine. Glenni lives with her husband Keith and children Daniel (17), Anna (13) and John Carl (9) in Monrovia.