FAMILY “RAISING PHASE” Fifth Trimester Chapter: LACTATION
Although there are legal protections for lactating parents, multiple work-related obstacles still exist related to designated lactation areas (especially on construction sites or job walks), perceived stigma from colleagues that could negatively impact career growth, and schedule constraints with carving out the necessary pumping breaks. The daily logistical challenges often lead to ending lactation sooner than desired.
Challenge
• The “ PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act ” was signed into federal law on 12/29/22 and includes legal protections for nursing employees . • Breastfeeding and/or pumping challenges related to work are associated with low job satisfaction , per 2019 study on “ Workplace Breastfeeding Support and Job Satisfaction Among Working Mothers in the United States .”
Importance
GOOD
BETTER
BEST
Encourage employees to schedule regular lactation breaks on their calendar, and ensure colleagues respect those breaks when scheduling meetings Provide provide/comfortable space for lactation (as may be required by law)
Ensure lactation area includes workstation connectivity, for those who prefer to work while pumping Provide breast milk shipping service if work-related travel is required (with no time limit after birth)
Membership to personal coaching service that specializes in topics such as lactation counseling Include dedicated fridge with freezer, handwashing sink, mirror, and counter space within lactation area to support pump parts cleaning & milk storage
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Antidotes
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Leading Firms
Lactation support program includes access to multiple lactation areas w/ hospital-grade pumps.
Provide Mamava mobile lactation pod at large-scale construction sites for lactating employees.
Breast milk shipping reimbursement for active-duty military and civilian DoD employees.
• Outsource options: Consider a breast milk shipping service like Milk Stork or Maven Milk, when work-related travel is required for lactating employees. • Read more: Harvard Business Review article on “ How Companies Can Support Breastfeeding Employees ” dated 4/30/2019; the Aeroflow “ Breastfeeding and Pumping in the Workplace Scorecard ” dated 10/12/2018; and the AIA “ Recommendations for Designing Lactation/Wellness Rooms ” dated 11/30/2023
Additional Resources
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