Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Wed, 31 Jan 2001 23:11:01 -0600 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
Hi Telissa,
I think this is a great topic for research! I returned to work 8 weeks
after my first child was born in May of 1995. We had a rocky start to
breastfeeding but I was empowered by the knowledge that my employer, a large
insurance company in Omaha, NE (think Wild Kingdom for you US Lacnetters...)
had a comprehensive lactation program. I was able to sign up for a specific
time each day to pump in a private room which had a Medela Classic. I only
had to bring my own tubing, bottles, etc. There was a refrigerator in the
area also. This company was very large, with several buildings spread out
over many blocks. I think each building now has its own "mother's room." I
have also heard the company now employs a full-time LC. (I no longer work
there - I resigned after my daughter was born 2 years later.) I can't
imagine how I would have been able to exclusively feed my son breastmilk
without this program.
The company also offered flexible hours and actually let me continue in a
professional position in a part-time capacity. This, too, was essential for
maintaining my supply as I was never away from my son more than 2 days in a
row. The company benefited in many ways. I never missed a day of work to
take care of a sick baby. As both my employer and my health insurance
carrier, this company benefited financially from the lower number of sick
baby visits I needed also. I think that health insurance companies have led
the way in this area as the lower costs associated with breastfed babies are
hard to ignore.
I really didn't get much flack from coworkers. I was always open about
"going to pump." There was even a news feature on an Omaha station about
lactation programs in the workplace and I was asked to be interviewed. I
showed pictures of my son to the reporter on camera - he was over 1 year at
the time! I did continue to pump for that long just because I wanted to
maintain my supply and because I wanted my son to have the immunological
benefits of receiving my breastmilk when he was in out-of-home care.
Good luck with your investigation into this topic!
Sara Dodder Furr, breastfeeding advocate and volunteer
Lincoln, Nebraska
***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|
|
|