Organization Name to Encourage Community Name Employers to Become Mother-Friendly
Organization Name is joining organizations around the state to encourage Community Name-area employers to demonstrate their support for breastfeeding employees by implementing worksite lactation support initiatives.
Organization Name is working to increase awareness among Texas businesses of the importance of supporting breastfeeding employees and their families. Describe your organization’s efforts here.
“We are committed to improving health outcomes in our community,” said Outreach Partner Name and Title. “Breastfeeding is one of the best things a mother can do for her child. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity, infections, and illnesses in infants.”
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for at least the first six months of an infant’s life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. While greater than 75 percent of new mothers in Texas choose to breastfeed, most stop breastfeeding long before six months, citing returning to work or school as the top reason for their decision. More than 50 percent of new mothers returning to work are unable to achieve their personal breastfeeding goals, and only 10 percent of full-time working women exclusively breastfeed for six months.
In addition, studies show that the benefits of breastfeeding last well into adulthood. Adults who were breastfed as babies have lower rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
“Breastfeeding is an investment in an infant’s future, and I hope all Community Namebusinesses will show a commitment to the wellbeing of employees and their families by adopting worksite lactation support policies,” said Name.
Employers who provide accommodations for nursing mothers see increased employee loyalty, reduced turnover, and increased productivity. Businesses can also cut their health-care costs, as studies have shown that breastfeeding not only boosts an infant’s immune system—meaning fewer trips to the doctor—but also lowers the mother’s risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast and ovarian cancer.
While federal law already requires employers to provide a private location and reasonable break time for breastfeeding employees to express and store breastmilk, many have not fully implemented sufficient worksite lactation support.
One initiative available to employers is designation as a Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite Designated Organization Name is one of more than the 900 Texas worksites that has already achieved Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite designation.
Becoming a designated Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite is voluntary, and any employer may participate by adopting a written lactation support policy that provides:
- Flexible work schedules that allow time for the expression of breastmilk.
- Access to a private space(s), other than a bathroom, for the purpose of breastmilk expression.
- Access to a nearby clean and safe water source and a sink for washing hands and rinsing out any breast pump equipment.
- Access to hygienic storage options (including personal coolers) where mothers can safely store breastmilk.
Name is available to make presentations to employers and membership groups, such as business organizations, associations, and health coalitions. Name may be reached at Contact Information.
To learn more about worksite lactation support programs and view a list of designated Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites, please visit: