Women with children are the fastest-growing segment of the workforce. Balancing work and family is an important priority for all employees. Today, more than 80% of new mothers in the United States begin breastfeeding, and 6 in every 10 new mothers are in the workforce.
Your business can take easy steps to support breastfeeding in any industry! Employers who provide a supportive environment for breastfeeding employees enjoy many proven benefits including:
- Lower absenteeism
- Lower health care costs
- Better retention of employees
- Higher productivity and company loyalty
- Positive image in the community as a family-friendly business
See the “Additional Resources” section below to view solutions on how your business can support nursing mothers within your specific industry.
Employers
The following recommendations represent best practices for creating a breastfeeding friendly workplace and complying with Washington State and Federal Law.
Appropriate Space
Employers are required to provide a place, “other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public.”
Adequate Time
Employers must provide reasonable break time to express breast milk as frequently as needed by nursing mother for 1 year after the child’s birth
Implement a Breastfeeding Policy at Your Workplace Today:
- Helps ensure company compliance with the law
- Shows support for the health of your employees and their families
- Clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of both supervisors and employees
- Can help prevent harassment and other negative workplace behavior
- Sample breastfeeding policy
Additional Resources:
- Business Case for Breastfeeding
- What Employers Need To Know
- Resources for Employers & Businesses
- Supporting Nursing Mothers in the Agriculture Industry
- Supporting Nursing Mothers in the Manufacturing Industry
- Supporting Nursing Mothers in the Restaurant Industry
- More Employer Solutions by Industry
- Washington State Department of Health Breastfeeding
- CDC’s Work to Support Breastfeeding
Want to get involved? Join Moses Lake Breastfeeding Coalition