Breastfeeding In The Workplace
Ever since my experience at work, I have wondered about pumping at work. When my girls were born, I was babysitting and brought them with me. I never had to pump during the day. However, if I return to my job after this baby is born, I will have to pump. Seeing how receptive my coworkers are to this idea and knowing what my work life is like (we usually have too much work to take our entire dinner breaks) I am worried. Personally, I think this reason will be one more reason to change jobs but that is besides the point.
If you are in the same boat I am, you need to prepare for this reality as soon as you can. Some states do have laws on the books making workplaces give nursing mothers unpaid break time to pump. However, a lot of states don’t. I assume that most workplaces will work something out with you for fear of a lawsuit (it’s sad but true how scared companies are of lawsuits and how sometimes we need to use them). Talk to your employers, your hr department, and your union reps. Make sure you know the law. Here is a great site listing breastfeeding laws. All states should get breastfeeding laws written out and we should all contact our state representative and let them know what we think.
As for employers, they should encourage mothers to breastfeed. By allowing new moms a few break times a day to pump, they are buying themselves time later. Moms who breastfeed are less likely to have to call off because of a sick child. The companies are also less likely to lose valuable employees after their babies are born (like my situation) if they encourage breastfeeding. Also, the companies could save money if they pay for part or all of their employees and families health insurance. Breastfed babies are less likely to need to go to the doctors as much which will save the companies money.
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September 25, 2008
4:30 pm
There are laws for breastfeeding? Wow I didn’t know that thanks!