Despite the incredible health benefits breastfeeding provides, some women discontinue breastfeeding (or wean their newborns early) because of challenges faced when breast pumping and returning to work. If this is the case, we might have a few easy steps towards creating your own breastfeeding-friendly workplace.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides a great (and convenient) tool for both employees and managers. The Business Case for Breastfeeding: Steps for Creating a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace is available online at http://ask.hrsa.gov/detail_materials.cfm?ProdID=4121. There is a series of publications, each geared specifically for either staff or management, and the specific roles each should play to create the best possible breastfeeding-friendly work environment.
The employees guide emphasizes the importance of preparation. Start talking with your employers during pregnancy about any concerns you may anticipate and your future breastfeeding plans. Human resources may be good area to discuss possible quiet, private locations to express milk; or maybe even direct you to other working moms that went through this process already.
While on maternity leave, take this time (what very little time you may have) to get familiar with your milk production. What times do you have the most milk? Familiarizing yourself, or possibly getting on a schedule may help with regular milk production and storage opportunities.
When returning to work, hopefully you have a pre-determined private lactation room. This may be an office with a lock (and blinds!), or maybe a small conference room, or even a well-lit storage closet. If using an electric breast pump, make sure the room has an available outlet. If you haven’t had the chance to prepare, ask a human resources representative to help you find a good place! (Note: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mentions that restrooms are NOT a good place for expressing milk. They are unsanitary, usually don’t have available outlets, and stalls are too small (not to mention awkward) for proper pumping.)
In addition to a private location, a place for milk storage is also needed. Breast milk is food and is safe to store in the employee fridge. For everyone’s benefit, make sure to properly label the bottles with "BREASTMILK" along with the date. If a fridge is not available, bring a lunch cooler with ice packs. You can store your milk in the cooler with ice packs and keep with you at your desk or personal locker.
Breastfeeding does not need to be sacrificed when returning to work. With a little preparation and good communication you can create a breastfeeding-friendly workplace that’s right for you.
Like I mentioned before, The Business Case for Breastfeeding: Steps for Creating a Breastfeeding-Friendly Worksite is a great tool! Check it out at www.http://ask.hrsa.gov/detail_materials.cfm?ProdID=4121. Just click on the publication specific for you (whether it’s the employee or management guide) and then click on “Read online” for a pdf version of the guide. It’s that easy!
Claire is a twenty-three year old nursing student at Arizona State University. She currently lives in Tempe, AZ with her dog Bella.