LAKE COUNTY — U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin called on the nation to support the removal of all barriers to breastfeeding. Benjamin requested that healthcare providers, employers, insurers, policymakers, researchers and the community support mothers in reaching their personal breastfeeding goals.
E Center WIC will participate in the Surgeon General”s Call to Action by sponsoring Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Awards.
E Center WIC will present three local businesses with Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Awards: Association of Behavioral Consultants Inc., Konocti Insurance Services/Farmers Insurance and Twin Pine Casino and Hotel are being recognized for accommodating the needs of breastfeeding mothers and babies.
Nominators described their bosses as “very supportive” and “amazing.” One mother noted her employer was “very excited” to have her back at work.
According to Benjamin, breastfed babies maintain healthier weights and have fewer illnesses, infections, childhood cancers and diabetes than infants receiving formula. Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of obesity and Type II diabetes, as well as a reduced risk of breast and uterine cancers.
Supporting breastfeeding employees is good for business, too. Research confirms that providing lactation support helps companies save money in health care expenses, reduces turnover rates, lowers absenteeism and increases employee loyalty. Employers with established workplace lactation programs have reported a 3:1 return on investment, as well as a more productive working environment.
Providing a lactation support program involves a private place for employees to express milk during the work day, a flexible schedule to express milk two or three times a day, information on how to combine employment with breastfeeding and supportive supervisors and staff.
In 2002, California was one of the first states in the nation to adopt legislation (Assembly Bill 1025) requiring employers to provide unpaid break time and a clean, private place, other than a toilet stall, where lactating mothers could express breastmilk throughout the workday.
For more information on accommodating breastfeeding employees, call WIC at 263-5253 or visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/breastfeeding/index.html.
Lorna Sides is a lactation consultant with E Center WIC.
