Dear Lactnetters:

Here's my letter to the editor in response to Kathleen Parker's column
on pumping at the worksite.  It appeared in our local newspaper Sept. 6.

-Doraine Bailey
ILCA Rep. to WABA "Bf, Women and Work" Seminar June 1-5, 1998

---------------------
Dear Editor:

        Kathleen Parker's commentary on helping mothers express their milk at
work was right on target.  Breastfeeding is without question the best
way to nurture and nourish the vast majority of babies.  However, many
women fear that they will be unable to breastfeed because they must
return to the worksite soon after their baby is born.  I frequently
counsel women and families on how they can continue the breastfeeding
relationship after a mother has to return to work.
        Employers definitely benefit when they support their breastfeeding
employees.  One corporate lactation program notes up to $4.50 in savings
for every $1.00 invested in breastfeeding services.  Breastfeeding keeps
babies and their mothers healthier -- another study found that mothers
of formula-fed babies were absent from work three times more often due
to an infant illness than breastfeeding mothers.
        The most critical factor for a mom being able to pump milk, or nurse
her baby, at the worksite is permission and acceptance.  Having a little
extra time during the day to pump, and a space to pump and store milk
are also helpful to breastfeeding moms.
        Of course, all mothers should have access to such opportunities.
Welfare Reform efforts push more new mothers back into the workforce as
soon as possible, possibly robbing their children of the health and
emotional benefits of breastfeeding.  Many studies have shown that low-
income mothers do not necessarily have problems getting hired -- they
have problems keeping their jobs.  When mothers are not given the
opportunity or permission to breastfeed or express their milk, they are
at greater risk for losing their jobs and wage income when the baby
becomes sick.
        Mothers and families who want information or help with breastfeeding
and working can contact their local Health Department.

Doraine Bailey, MA
Breastfeeding Support Services
Lexington-Fayette County Health Dept.


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com