Dear This is a letter to address an important issue and to propose a viable solution. Currently, there is no facility in our building appropriate for breastfeeding employees who need to pump their breastmilk. In fact, the only alternative for those employees without private offices are the bathrooms. Obviously, the restrooms are not adequate or appropriate for this purpose for the following reasons: - Unsanitary conditions for infant food preparation - Lack of privacy for pumping - Practical problems (in order to operate a breastpump, at minimum one needs somewhere to set up the pump and collection bottles, as well as a place to sit down while pumping). I propose that our company set aside one office with several private areas partitioned off to be used by nursing mothers. This will provide not only the obvious benefits to new mothers/employees and their babies, but some well-documented benefits to the company as well. Studies have shown that breastfed babies are healthier. Healthier babies mean fewer medical expenses for the company’s insurance carrier and fewer lost workdays for parents. Lastly, new mothers who are aware that their breastfeeding relationship with their child will be supported on the job are more likely to return to the workforce after maternity leave. In order to set up a very basic on site lactation program, the following things will be required: - A private room with a lock on the door. - Partitions or curtains to make two or three privacy areas. - A chair and small table for each privacy area. In addition it would be helpful to have a small sink and refrigerator (for breastmilk storage) in the room, as well as an electrical outlet in each privacy area for operation of electric breastpumps. I would like to see our company stay on the cutting edge of providing a healthy work environment and excellent benefits for employees. I believe the process of becoming more breastfeeding friendly would be a step in that direction. Do not hesitate to let me know if I can answer any questions regarding this issue, or if this proposal is more appropriately directed to another department. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, For documented benefits of workplace lactation programs…. DCC Inc. PO Box 2783 Westport, CT 06880 Phone 203-226-2680 Fax 203-291-33571 www.momsatwork.com info@dcclifecare.com Dear Employer, _________________, a new mother of a breastfeeding infant, will be returning to your workplace. Experience and studies show that breastfeeding mothers take fewer sick days because they and their babies are healthier. They also tend to be more productive at work because they are more confident about their babies’ well being. For this mother to continue to breastfeed successfully, she will need to express milk every two to three hours to maintain a supply for her baby and to help prevent engorgement, which could cause a breast infection. Please let her have a few 15-minute breaks a day, in addition to her regular lunch break, in a private, quiet place other than the bathroom. More and more businesses are finding that creating a workplace that is supportive of the needs of new mothers benefits everyone. I hope you will, too. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. For documented benefits of workplace lactation programs…. www.momsatwork.com Sincerely, Nora Murrell doulabellyl@gmail.com 720-981-2720 www.HeartAndBellyDoula.com