10 Ways to Promote Breastfeeding in the Workplace
Promoting breastfeeding in the workplace involves creating an environment that supports and encourages breastfeeding parents, and values individual parenting choices.
Here are some strategy ideas:
Policy Development: Establish clear policies that support breastfeeding, such as designated break times for nursing or pumping, and provide information on these policies to all employees
Partner with Support Services and Providers: Develop a resource list for parents-to-be and breastfeeding parents with established local community outreaches, educators and medical providers
Lactation lounges and baby weigh-in clinics
Certified lactation counselors, lactation educators and IBCLC’s (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants)
Connect with employee groups for feedback on what is most important within the work environment and gain their input on access to a culturally diverse lactation support network
If Insurance is offered: Consider including both prenatal lactation visits and postpartum lactation options
Lactation Rooms: Provide a private, clean, and comfortable space for breastfeeding or pumping.
Does the space accommodate the comfort and ease for multiple nursing employees at one time
Seek breastfeeding parental feedback in the setup and layout
Room should be equipped with chairs and side tables, electrical outlets for breast pumps, and a refrigerator designated for pumped milk
Allows nursing infants and toddlers in lactation rooms
Lactation Rooms & Office Spaces - leveled up!
Dorm size refrigerators for personnel offices & private pumping storage
Water dispenser access in the lactation room(s)
Wash stations for pump part cleanup
ADA compliant suites
Flexible Scheduling: Allow flexible work hours or breaks to accommodate breastfeeding or pumping needs
Education and Awareness: Offer training sessions for management and staff to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and the company's support for breastfeeding employees
Support Networks: Create support groups or networks within the workplace where breastfeeding parents can share experiences and advice
Employee Communication: Encourage open communication between employees and management about breastfeeding needs and concerns
Company Culture: Foster a culture that values and supports returning-to-work employees that are breastfeeding & pumping, demonstrating that it is a priority for the organization
By creating dialogue and discussion around the best strategies for implementation of breastfeeding and nursing inclusion in your workplace, you can help create a supportive environment that enables breastfeeding employees to balance their work and breastfeeding responsibilities effectively.
-Sarah Willett