Becoming a Mother-Friendly Workplace
A survey by the CDC found that over 80% of babies in Montana were breastfed in 2004. That number declines as babies get older which may be due, in part, to mothers returning to work. Supporting breastfeeding mothers is not only a benefit to the mother, but also a benefit to the employer as well. Studies of worksite lactation programs have shown:
- Investing one dollar in breastfeeding support saves $3 for the employer
- Health care cost savings of about $400 per breastfed baby
- Less use of sick leave-about three days per breastfed baby
Benefits to the employer
- Decreased Health Care Costs
- Breastfed infants are healthier. They are 80% less likely to develop ear infections and lower respiratory infections. They are also less likely to develop diarrhea, meningitis, food or airborne allergies, or insulin dependent diabetes.
- Moms who breastfeed are at decreased risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
- Lower Absenteeism-Because breastfed infants are healthier, parents miss less days of work. That means your employees are more productive.
- Reduced Turnover-Supporting your employee helps her return to work and provide the best nutrition for her baby, reducing turnover and decreasing retraining costs.
- Increased Morals and Productivity-Women workers are loyal to employers that help them be better mothers and are more satisfied with their jobs.
How can you support your breastfeeding employee?
- Let your employee know you support her decision to breastfeed and discuss your concerns.
- Allow her to have a flexible schedule that will accommodate pumping or nursing.
- Give her access to storage for expressed milk.
- Provide her with a private room that locks (not a bathroom). The room should have an electrical outlet, small table, and a chair.
For more information about Employer Support for Breastfeeding, please visit: