To Judi Murphy and other interested Lactnetters, Judi wrote regarding setting up a workplace lactation policy for her 20 bed maternity unit. Here are a few questions to think about and suggestions: 1. How long is maternity leave? How old will the babies be when their mothers return to work? Is it possible to arrange for women to work part time, for two women to "share" one job? 2. Where can you arrange space for women to pump and store milk? It should be a place that the women can get to easily? 3. Will the new mothers be able to take pumping/nursing breaks at the same times each day? Clearly, that is important for maintaining milk supply. 4. Where will the babies be? Is it possible to arrange child care at or near the hospital? Nursing babies directly, even if it's not each time, helps a lot. Boosts morale too. 5. I assume that in a maternity unit you don't have to convince anyone of the importance of continued nursing after Mom has returned to work. 6. Be flexible! Try out one system and see how it works. Make modifications as necessary. I hope this is helpful. If you can give me some more specific information about some of these issues, I could make some more specific recommendations. Naomi Bar-Yam Ph.D.