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

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