I wanted to share this newspaper article with the group. If anyone would
like to e-mail him to tell him what a wonderful thing he has done, his
e-mail address is [log in to unmask]

Kilgore encourages employees to breastfeed infants at work
By the Associated Press
Published May 27, 2002

RICHMOND, Va. -- Attorney General Jerry W. Kilgore has started a "bring your
baby to work" policy for women employed in his office.

He has set aside a room for mothers to use for breastfeeding and is letting
parents bring their children to the office when schools are closed because
of bad weather. He is also expanding the use of telecommuting, which allows
parents to work from home.

"It's family friendly," said Kilgore, a Republican. "I understand how
important it is for newborn babies to be with their mothers, and I
understand the value of the women in the office and don't want to lose them
for long periods of time."

After he was elected last November, Kilgore set up a committee to take
employee suggestions. Child care turned out to be a big issue. Women make up
60 percent of his office staff and 43 percent of the 135 attorneys.

The most visible new benefit is the breastfeeding room, also called a
"lactation station." Employees brought in a bassinet,stuffed animals, a
small stereo and other furnishings. Kilgore donated a picture of a circus
from his children's nursery.

So far, the room has been used by Chief Deputy Attorney General Elizabeth
McClanahan and Michelle Bruno, director of the TRIAD program on crimes
against the elderly.

A 2001 national survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found
that only 16 percent of companies provide breastfeeding rooms.

Breastfeeding advocates say the room set up by Kilgore sets a good example.

"Anytime you have a prominent figure doing something positive like that, I
think people take notice," said Kim Cavaliero, a spokeswoman for La Leche
League International.

                  Copyright © 2002, Daily Press

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