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Writer's pictureBreastfeeding Expert
Sep 14 min read

Celebrating Workplace Lactation Week (September 1-7): Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers in the Workplace

Workplace Lactation Week, observed annually from September 1 to 7, is dedicated to promoting and supporting breastfeeding in the workplace. This week highlights the importance of workplace policies and environments that support lactating mothers, ensuring they can successfully continue breastfeeding upon returning to work. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Workplace Lactation Week, the benefits of workplace lactation support, and the resources available to help employers and employees create a breastfeeding-friendly workplace.



The Significance of Workplace Lactation Week

Workplace Lactation Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers in the workplace and to promote supportive policies and practices. Returning to work can be a significant barrier for many mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 39% of breastfeeding mothers are still breastfeeding at six months when they return to work (CDC, 2020). Workplace support is crucial in helping mothers continue breastfeeding, which benefits both mother and child.


Benefits of Workplace Lactation Support


For the Baby:

  1. Nutritional Superiority: Breast milk provides the ideal mix of vitamins, protein, and fat, tailored to meet the nutritional needs of infants (Victora et al., 2016).

  2. Immune Protection: Breast milk contains antibodies that help babies fight off viruses and bacteria, reducing the risk of infections such as ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and diarrhea (Oddy, 2017).

  3. Long-Term Health Benefits: Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of chronic conditions later in life, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer (Rollins et al., 2016).


For the Mother:

  1. Postpartum Recovery: Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly, reducing postpartum bleeding (Kramer & Kakuma, 2012).

  2. Reduced Risk of Certain Diseases: Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as type 2 diabetes (Victora et al., 2016).

  3. Emotional Bonding: The act of breastfeeding promotes a strong emotional bond between mother and baby through physical closeness and skin-to-skin contact (Oddy, 2017).


For the Employer:

  1. Reduced Absenteeism: Breastfed babies are generally healthier, leading to fewer sick days taken by parents (Bartick & Reinhold, 2010).

  2. Increased Employee Retention: Supportive workplace policies can increase employee loyalty and retention, as mothers are more likely to return to work and remain with an employer who supports their breastfeeding goals (Murtagh & Moulton, 2011).

  3. Enhanced Productivity: Employees who feel supported and valued are more likely to be productive and engaged at work (Payne & Nicholls, 2010).



Creating a Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace


Lactation Policies: Employers should establish clear lactation policies that outline the support available to breastfeeding employees. These policies should include provisions for flexible work schedules, break times for expressing milk, and access to private, clean lactation spaces (AAP, 2012).


Lactation Spaces: Workplaces should provide private, clean, and comfortable spaces for mothers to express milk. These spaces should be equipped with electrical outlets, seating, and refrigeration for storing expressed milk. The space should not be a bathroom (U.S. Department of Labor, 2021).


Education and Training: Employers should offer education and training for all employees about the importance of breastfeeding and the specific needs of lactating mothers. This helps create a supportive and understanding workplace culture (Bai et al., 2015).


Flexible Scheduling: Allowing flexible work hours and break times for breastfeeding mothers can help them manage their work responsibilities while maintaining their breastfeeding goals. Telecommuting and part-time options can also provide additional flexibility (AAP, 2012).


Resources for Employers and Employees


Workplace Lactation Week is an essential opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. By promoting breastfeeding-friendly policies and practices, employers can help mothers successfully balance their work and breastfeeding responsibilities. This support benefits not only the mothers and their babies but also the employers by enhancing employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. Let's use this week to advocate for and implement breastfeeding support in workplaces across the country.


Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. For more information on breastfeeding and support, please visit reputable sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Office on Women’s Health.


References



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