Worksite Wellness: Supporting

BreastfeedingCreated by: Anna Bohanon

Many mothers work full-time

Women in Today’s Workforce

• 72.7 Million• 74% Full Time• 24% Part-Time

• 57.2% of TOTAL Workforce

*As of 2013, according to the U.S. Department of Labor

Mother’s in the workplace

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.dol.gov/wb/stats/recentfacts.htm#mothers, Mothers Participation in the Labor Force

It is important for mothers to continue breastfeeding

Benefits for Breastfeeding Mothers

• Convenient

• Inexpensive

• Short term health benefits

• Long term health benefits

Source: Medela, Inc., "Going Back to Work" Handout

Benefits for Breastfed Babies

• Overall Health

• Perfect Nutrition

• IQ

• Reduced Risk of Health Issues

• Effect of Immunizations

Increase the number of Breastfeeding Friendly Workplaces

Breastfeeding in the U.S.

Minnesota National Average

89.2% 79.2%

59.2% 49.4%

Newborn Newborn

At 6 Months At 6 Months

Source: Public Health Law Center

Employer Benefits

• Retention

• Productivity

• Absenteeism

• Loyalty

• Health Care Costs

How can my workplace support breastfeeding?

Step by step approach to making a lactation support program

Time PlaceEducationSupport

*S.T.E.P. is component of HRSA

Be supportive to breastfeeding mother’s

Support

Allow time for breastfeeding mothers to pump

Time

Provide breastfeeding education resources for mothers

Education

Establish a place for breastfeeding mothers

Place

Basic Mother’s Room Example

• Lock

• Label

• Access to Water

• Outlet

• Chair

Best Practice Mother’s Room Example

• Label

• Lock

• Outlet

• Access to Water

• Outlet

• Comfy Chair

• Fridge

• Pump

• Log/Journal

• Music Source

• Alternative Lighting

Relaxing

Finalizing the STEP

• Policy Writing• Public Health Law• Resources• Handouts

S T E P

Questions?