Workplace Solutions

Across the nation, businesses are becoming supportive work environments for breastfeeding/chestfeeding employees and have discovered that the cost savings and increased productivity among employees is worth the investment. You can support breastfeeding/chestfeeding people and make your workplace breastfeeding/chestfeeding friendly.

Talk with your expectant employees about their options for pumping when they return to work. It's good for employee moral and for your business's bottom line!

The Task Force can help you develop a breastfeeding friendly policy for your workplace. Email us at contact@breastfeedingnm.org and (505) 395-MILK.

Did you know New Mexico has a law that protects the rights of breastfeeding people to nurse in public places?

That's not surprising when you consider that people who breastfeed/chestfeed are giving their babies the best nourishment possible—reducing their child's chances of allergies, ear infections, diabetes, and some cancers, just to name a few. What does this mean for your business or restaurant? You can reach out to your breastfeeding/chestfeeding customers by offering them a welcoming and supportive environment in which to shop or dine—and take time out to nurse.

Organizations who provide a lactation support program have lower turnover rates, in addition to increased productivity and loyalty. Need more reasons and guidance to create a breastfeeding/chestfeeding-friendly workplace?

Here are a few tips to make your premises "breastfeeding friendly."

Place a "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" decal in your window.

Breastfeeding people will be drawn into your business knowing that they can nurse comfortably there, and will be impressed by your commitment to parent and baby health and wellbeing.

Remember, breastfeeding/chestfeeding is normal. It is absolutely normal (and what nature intended) for an infant or toddler to nurse—this is what breasts are made for. Don’t worry, it is rare to see any more than a breastfeeding/chestfeeding person’s skin when they breastfeed. Just look away if you feel uncomfortable, but never suggest that a breastfeeding/chestfeeding person cover themselves or that they nurse out of sight of others. The more we see breastfeeding/chestfeeding people, the more comfortable we will all be with them.

Email contact@breastfeedingnm.org to request a "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" window decal.

Go the extra mile to make a breastfeeding/chestfeeding person comfortable.

Make sure they have water at their table (a nursing person is a thirsty person). If you encounter other patrons who are uncomfortable at the sight of a person breastfeeding/chestfeeding, remember: this is not the breastfeeding/chestfeeding person's problem. Suggest that the patron take a seat that faces away from the breastfeeding/chestfeeding person, or offer to reseat them in another part of the restaurant. Just as they have a right to eat in peace, so do babies!

Support breastfeeding/chestfeeding employees.

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding people who go back to work can continue to breastfeed/chestfeed their babies. You can support them by providing a reasonable work schedule, including scheduling schedule flexibility, including scheduling breaks so your employee can express milk for their baby or nurse their baby. Provide a private, clean area for breastfeeding/chestfeeding or milk expression—ideally not a bathroom. An unused/borrowed office is a good option. You can post this COVID-safe Lactation Room Signage in the designated room. And provide a safe, clean, cool place to store expressed milk (staff refrigerator.) These are just a few ideas to make your business welcoming.

Apply for the Family Friendly Business Award.

Share your best practices with the community, and receive recognition for your family friendly policies. You can find more information here.

These are just a few ideas  to make your business welcoming to nursing mothers. We are available to provide further education, information, or ideas.