Worksites are recognized for being lactation friendly by the BFREE Team at Northwell Health. There are many reasons for employers to foster a breastfeeding/chestfeeding friendly environment for their employees and it is often easier to support employees than you might think!

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*Partners are not expected to begin this process without assistance and resources from the BFREE Team

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Return on Investment:

(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau)

1. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding employees miss work less often. As human milk fosters a better immune system, breastfed/chestfed infants are often healthier and parents generally need to leave work less often to care for sick children. 

2. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding lowers health costs. Reduced healthcare costs for breastfed/chestfed infants means lower medical insurance claims for businesses. 

3. A lactation support program can yield substantial dividends. A few of these important dividends include lower turnover rates, higher productivity and loyalty, and positive public relations. Employees are more likely to return to work after childbirth when their employer supports their decision to breastfeed/chestfeed, eliminating the costs of hiring temporary staff or recruiting, hiring, and training replacement staff. Employers who provide lactation support also improve morale and job satisfaction as well as public image. 

 

Steps to Support:

(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau)

1. Provide a Private Space. In compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the space must not be a bathroom and should be free from intrusion. Nursing parents in these spaces should also have access to an electrical outlet and running water. 

2. Provide flexible breaks and work options. Employers can support their employees by ensuring they have flexible breaks and a reasonable amount of time to express milk. People often need about 20 minutes to express milk every 2- 3 hours.  Most are able to use their regular breaks or meal period and will clock in and out as usual. You can learn more about the laws in NYS that apply to break time here: https://dol.ny.gov/breast-milk-expression-workplace 

3. Provide education. Employer-provided information and resources accessible through the work site help prepare parents for balancing the requirements of breastfeeding/chestfeeding with their job responsibilities. These resources are also beneficial to expectant spouses/partners.

4. Provide support. A positive, accepting attitude from colleagues helps employees build confidence in their ability to continue working while breastfeeding/chestfeeding. 

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For additional guidance, this self-assessment was developed to help guide and assist worksites in improving their lactation policies and procedures.

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