What issues should my company consider before providing a workplace lactation program?

There are a number of factors employers should consider before establishing a workplace lactation program, including whether it should:

• allow work schedule flexibility, including scheduling breaks and work patterns to provide time for expression of milk;

• provide accessible locations allowing privacy;

• give access nearby to a clean, safe water source and a sink for washing hands and rinsing out any needed breast-pumping equipment; and

• provide access to hygienic storage alternatives in the workplace for the mother's breast milk.

Sample policy guidance. Beyond the basic work schedule flexibility, accessible location, water source and storage elements, there are many practical issues to consider when planning a worksite lactation program. Companies should address the following questions to decide what kind of program would be best suited to the company's culture.

Privacy. Door with lock and key? Secure room with access codes? Sign-up sheet to coordinate room usage? On-line sign-up sheet?

Equipment. Who provides breast pumps? Employer, employee or a shared cost arrangement? (High-tech electric multi-user pumps are faster.) Milk storage in employer-provided refrigerator or employee-provided coolers? Sink in lactation room for washing equipment or use of nearly lavatory? Keep extra bottles and collection kits in the lactation room?

Amenities. Can a relaxing environment be provided? Make it comfortable by providing parenting magazines, lockers, coat tree and bulletin boards for babies' pictures? Telephone?

Support. Provide extra support for nursing mothers from a lactation specialist? Distribute information on the value of breastfeeding so other employees will understand need for program? Enlist supervisor support so nursing mothers will use program?