The following is a helpful letter if your employer does not have a suitable lactation area in the workplace.
Word and text versions of the letter are provided for convenience.
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
