Encouraging and promoting breastfeeding support in the workplace is an important initiative being pursued by Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department (ELVPHD). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is recommended, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.” According to the CDC breastfeeding report card, 82.4% of mothers in the state of Nebraska initiate breastfeeding; however only 46.5% continue to exclusively breastfeed at 3 months and a mere 20.2% of mothers are exclusively breastfeeding by 6 months. By creating a breastfeeding friendly work environment and allowing working moms to continue breastfeeding, everybody wins. Babies have fewer illnesses, mothers take fewer sick days to care for their infants, and companies benefit from increased employee satisfaction and loyalty as well as decreased employee turnover and lower health care costs.
The Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department surveyed 25 businesses in the Norfolk area and found that 25 out of the 25 businesses or 100% reported having a lactation or breastfeeding policy in place. In addition 100% of the businesses surveyed also reported allowing breastfeeding mothers flexibility in scheduling their breaks. In addition, 100% of businesses surveyed also reported providing mothers with a safe, clean, area other than a bathroom to pump or express breastmilk, 64% of the businesses reported providing more than one area or lactation room to breastfeeding employees.
The find out more about supporting breastfeeding employees or if your business would like to apply for the Breastfeeding Friendly Business Award please contact Nikki at the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department at (402)529-2233. Funding for ELVPHD’s breastfeeding initiative project is provided by The Nebraska Breastfeeding Coalition.