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Parent Friendly Workplaces
March 3, 2007 The fastest growing issue for large employers of women (e.g., law firms) is the accommodation of breastfeeding. Mothers are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. labor force. Seventy percent of employed mothers with children younger than three work full time. One-third of these mothers return to work within three months after giving birth, and two-thirds return within six months. The issues center on flexibility in work schedules for milk expression, accommodations to pump or store breast milk and support from employers and colleagues. Eleven states currently have laws related to breastfeeding in the workplace (CA, CT, GA, HI, IL, MN, OK, RI, TN, TX and WA).
We talked to a number of law firms that take pride in their “family friendliness” about their breastfeeding policy. The key policy issues include:
▬ a 15 minute break every two hours for breastfeeding or the expression of breast milk;
▬ a convenient, sanitary and private location (other than a restroom) for breastfeeding or the expression of breast milk;
▬ access to a clean sink and water source; and
▬ a convenient hygienic refrigerator (separate from lunch room refrigerators).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published a Guide to Breastfeeding Intervention. If you would like a PDF copy of the Guide, send us an e-mail. | 
