PNNL

Abstract

The Surgeon General and the America Association of Pediatricians strongly recommend that babies be breastfed until one year of age. Working mothers develop their nursing techniques during maternity leave, but after returning to work, many abandon breastfeeding due to lack of facilities, support, and equipment. Nursing mothers in a supportive work environment experience less depression and stress than non-nursing mothers. Data also suggest that breastfed babies are sick less often than their formula-fed counterparts. Both aspects result in fewer lost workdays and more focused and productive workers. In 1998, staff at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory started a lactation support pilot program. In setting up the program, the focus was directed to issues of equipment, facilities, and program logistics. The results-to-date include: establishing a blueprint for a permanent program, raising general staff awareness, and influencing the work environment to one more supportive of the needs of nursing workers.