We are what you might call a  Mother Friendly/Baby Friendly Workplace.  We have a written policy for employees, a lactation lounge with a rocker glider, footstool, sink and counter space, magazine rack, pump - cleaner and wipes, refrig, microwave, CD player, Bulletin Board, Mirror, Lock on door (inside), slider next to door (outside) that says enter or In Use.   There is a "sign up" on our hospital computer system for breaks and lunch. It is located on our Maternity Center where we took a half of the conference room which conveniently had a pull out wall divider.   If a mom wants to stay in her own dept. it is the responsibility of the employee to approach her manager re:location.  No one pumps in bathrooms.  Sitters may also bring babies in to moms.    We have asked workplaces in our community to model themselves after what we have done and they are!  We have sent out formal letters with criteria to area businesses explaining the pilot project, describing benefits to both employer and employee, described an appropriate place for women to express milk.  When employers realize they are not doing providing an important benefit that others are - they start wondering.  And rightly so!  It costs money to orient new employees if women don't return to work and it makes for non-productive and unhappy employees if they had to stop breastfeeding their babies.  The cost benefits are significant all the way around.  We referenced Home Depot and Aetna who had cost analysis in savings.  We have approached the Wal-Mart corporation ( alot of layers) to follow suit and not having any luck.  If anyone has an "in" please help out!   Surprising for such a "family oriented" business.  So don't be shy about approaching employers.  This is something employers will benefit from.  Also when women's maternal needs are taken care of - the loyalty swells and they will move mountains - Really!!!
If someone said to me - " I realize this is a very hard thing for you to do - returning to work after having a baby. I want you to know we will support the great efforts that you are making to breastfeed and give your baby a good start."  I would kiss that employers feet and work hard to please....   If we want to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration - advocate for support of women returning to work and school.  Don't sit there and complain that it doesn't exist.  Make it happen.

Does anyone have SIDS % s for countries that co-sleep.?  
Sue Majoris RN, IBCLC, FACCE
Indiana Regional Medical Center
Indiana, PA.  15701

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