What you can do to help

Businesses

  • Create a breastfeeding-friendly work environment.
  • Provide a place for breastfeeding moms to feed or pump in private.
  • Give breastfeeding employees breaks for feeding or pumping.
  • Provide pamphlets and resources about returning to work and breastfeeding.
  • Create a breastfeeding-friendly atmosphere for clients.


New Online Guide for the "Break for Nursing Mothers" Law:
www.usbreastfeeding.org/workplace-law

Here are some items that may be useful in the development of the policy for Employee Lactation Accommodation:

Self-Appraisal Tool:
http://www.breastfeedingworks.org/images/stories/pdfs/Toolkit/Employer_Assessment_Tool.pdf

CA and Federal Law:
http://www.breastfeedingworks.org/images/stories/pdfs/Toolkit/Lactation_Accommodation_Laws_v_2.pdf

Tools to Help Build a Policy:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/government-in-action/business-case-for-breastfeeding/policy-for-supporting-breastfeeding-employees.pdf

http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/government-in-action/business-case-for-breastfeeding/lactation-program-assessment-form.pdf

Guide on how to support breastfeeding employees:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/government-in-action/business-case-for-breastfeeding/easy-steps-to-supporting-breastfeeding-employees.pdf

Break Times for Nursing Mothers:
http://www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers/

Sample Policy from the CDC:
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/hwi/downloads/lactation_support_program.pdf


Medical personnel

  • Don't be neutral! You know breastmilk is superior to Formula. Say so!
  • Provide informational resources about breastfeeding to expectant mothers.
  • Be knowledgeable about breastfeeding and its benefits. (LINK: what med personnel should know)
  • Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
  • Don’t separate mom and baby after birth.
  • Encourage rooming in.
  • Get to know your local lactation consultants.
  • Don’t hand out formula samples or coupons for formula.
  • Be knowledgeable about alternative medications that are safe for babies (LINK).


Community members

  • Be supportive of moms breastfeeding in public.
  • Encourage moms who are breastfeeding.
  • Write a letter to your local representatives to encourage support of breastfeeding.
  • Help create a breastfeeding friendly community.
  • Share your knowledge with others about the benefits of breastfeeding.


Relatives

  • Encourage moms who are breastfeeding.
  • Help nursing moms with household chores.
  • Remember that babies need more than breast milk—they need lots of holding and comforting from you.
  • Share your knowledge with others about the benefits of breastfeeding.



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