Joanne writes asking about what kind of programs there are to help smaller
companies set up programs to provide on-site pumping facilities for working
mothers.  There are as many options as creative minds can conceive.  The
Medela program works some places, but others won't or can't spend the money,
or don't like or feel they need that particular model.  I have worked with
6-7 very large, blue chip companies in Austin (mostly high tech computer
companies) to help them with this type thing.  Each company has had a very
definate idea of what they wanted, and asked me to help refine the plan.
Two of the companies don't want to be involved with maintenance of a room,
and prefer to just pay for a rental pump for any female employee who wants
one.  Most of the other companies wanted to purchase several pumps and
out-fit a small room for employee use.  Usually the corporate nurse is the
one who administers or supervises the program.  The motivation to do this
ususally comes from within. A nursing employee observes the lack and makes
it her mission to remedy it. I have long said that every client is a
potential change agent in the community.  If she can breastfeed
successfully, she often is empowered with the desire to help other women do
what she enjoyed.

 I usually ask women where they work, and try to plant seeds and offer
strategies for dialog if I find she has complaints about the lack of
employer support.  Particularly with powerful women.  I always tell them:
What is the point of having gained all this power if you don't have any
intention of exercising it for the benefit of your own baby?  Then I remind
them that they also have some power they could use to help the women in
their situation who are less powerful.  It can galvanize these women, and
has caused a real change in the work environment at many Austin businesses
to have women supervisors who have elevated consciences about the needs of
working mothers.  Many of the female physicians I have worked with purchased
pumps, and their office nurses and they share them whenever anyone has a new
baby.

Barbara


Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Private Practice, Austin, Texas
Owner, Lactnews On-Line Conference Page
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html