Breastfeeding in the Workplace

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe the need for the federal government to pass Bill S 1463, The Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2011. When this bill is passed, it will allow working lactating women to breastfeed (pump) while at the workplace by requiring reasonable work breaks and space. The first year of a child’s life is the most crucial, and allowing this bill to pass will encourage working mothers to give their baby one of the best gifts a mother can give her child—a healthier life. Not only will it benefit mothers and children, when this bill is passed it will also benefit employers. Employers will save in health care costs and absenteeism costs. The Breastfeeding Promotion Act must be passed immediately so that our mothers, children, and employers can benefit from the many benefits that this bill will provide. © 2013, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.