I was a Peer Counselor for a time and took my baby with me. I really don't see how safety would be a valid concern, unless as I suspect it is more a liability issue. I never saw violence or any dangerous work conditions, after all the clients are bringing their children to that same office.
There are so many benefits to bringing the nursing child to work. Its shows many people that life can be lived with a child. That mothers of babies actually are productive even if they don't put their baby in daycare. And most importantly it is such an inspiration for the clients. So many times, as I counseled a mother with my baby present, I saw her consider breastfeeding or work through a problem, when she had been ready to give up, because she saw that breastfeeding really does work. Personally I feel it is counterproductive to ask a mother to leave her bf baby so she can help others bf. That child is a great asset to the job. Working for WIC is a challenging and very rewarding position. I learned quite a lot, after several years of being an LLL Leader (which i continue to this day)..There will be people in the office who object, just be strong and know what they are doing is right by having babies there. Some may feel it isn't fair
that not everyone can have their babies with them. That is unfortunate, many moms in many situations could bring their babies to work if allowed. Maybe this will help open that door. If someone feels it is unfair, well perhaps the best answer isn't to make things unfair all around. It works and it works very well!
Natalie
LLL Leader, CLC, and former PC
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 17:13:24 -0800
From: Liane Varnes <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Peer counselors and babies
I am posting for feedback purposes so lay it on me, oh wise ones!
The
subject? WIC -- paid, baby-wearing, Breastfeeding Peer Counselors --
and whether it is ok to have the babies at the WIC clinic, or not.
They've
already been hired and started work. Now, the alarm is being raised as
to whether it is safe for the babies to be there. Otherwise, staff is
completely supportive and babies have not been a problem.
Has anyone encountered situations simlar to this? I hate to reinvent the wheel. This is why I love networking!
Thanks, in advance!
The miracle is this--the more we share, the more we have.
--Leonard Nimoy
Liane C. Varnes, CLC
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