>>mother friendly employers

Who would have thought that businesses and corporations could play a key role in encouraging mothers to breastfeed their babies longer? It’s true, say mothers, who claim that returning to work is a major breastfeeding hurdle for them. A recent survey of 300 mothers found that 49 percent of their employers provided a private place for breastfeeding mothers to express milk. The survey, conducted by an independent research company and sponsored by Playtex, also revealed that only 15 percent of the companies provided a dedicated lactation room, and almost 30 percent of the breastfeeding mothers had to use places such as the ladies room to express milk.

It’s widely believed that more workplace support may lengthen the amount of time mothers breastfeed. Today, two-thirds of American mothers and one-half of Canadian mothers stop breastfeeding after only a few months, well short of the minimum six months recommended by the World Health Organization. A newsletter by the American Academy of Pediatrics claims that “Companies are finding that it pays to help employed women reach their breastfeeding goals with fewer infant illnesses, less absenteeism, more satisfied and loyal employees and lower retraining costs.”

"The 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers," go to www.workingwoman.com

"Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers as they Return to Work," go to http://www.aap.org