OSDH Strong and Healthy Oklahoma - Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite


Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite
The top reason Oklahoma women give for not breastfeeding is returning to work. After giving birth, one-third of mothers return to work in three months and two-thirds return to work after six months.
Some mothers who breastfeed in public places and in the workplace have reported feeling harassed and even punished. The state offers a hot line to report concerns and complaints about breastfeeding and how breastfeeding mothers are being treated. Call (405) 271-4676 or (888) 655-2942 to report any concerns.
BENEFITS FOR BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY WORKSITES Worksites that support their breastfeeding employees save money. Moms will have less time off for sick children and fewer trips to the doctor. Breastfeeding employees have more job satisfaction when they return to work. To learn more about becoming a breastfeeding friendly worksite, click here.
TIPS FOR A BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY WORKSITE
Support mothers who breastfeed when they return to work. Encourage your employer to develop a policy supporting breastfeeding employees. Encourage your employer to allow flexible break times for the expression of milk. Employers can reduce many workplace challenges with small investment of time and money by providing a clean, private space that is not a bathroom for their employees to express milk. The room should have an electrical outlet and a comfortable chair with a table. Providing a sink for hand washing and a refrigerator for mild storage would be helpful, but not required for a "breastfeeding room."
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Support businesses, stores and malls that support breastfeeding mothers. Encourage businesses to support mothers who breastfeed when they return to work. Look for businesses that post a sticker that reads Nursing Moms and Babies Welcome.