Area Businesses Recognized For Making Breastfeeding Work For Their Employees.

The DC/Maryland Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Awards were established in 2010 to acknowledge employers who recognize the importance of human milk for the health of the region's babies and their families. The DC and Maryland Breastfeeding Coalitions (DCBFC and MBC) created these awards thanks in part to a grant from DHHS's HRSA entitled "The Business Case for Breastfeeding". Nine area businesses were nominated to receive the Award this year.

"The common link among each of these Awardees," says Dr. Silver, "is that they serve as role models in the area for how to successfully support mothers who wish to continue to breastfeed once they have returned to work." Not only is it healthier for babies to continue breastfeeding, but also it is emotionally and physically healthier for a mother. It is a way mothers and their babies can stay connected even when the mother might be away for hours. Equally important is that it is good for business. Studies have shown that when a breastfeeding mother is supported in the workplace employer absence is lower (because baby and mom are healthier) and employee loyalty and productivity is higher.

The DC/Maryland Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Award rated nominated businesses in four areas, Support, Time, Education, and Place (STEP). A private area to express milk was a must, as stipulated by the Affordable Health Care Act of 2010. Other amenities provided by the businesses were also evaluated, such as a hospital-grade multi-user pump, flexible break times, and availability of breastfeeding supports like policies, classes, and support services.

Each employer was asked why it was important to support lactating employees. Employees were also offered a chance to share what it means to receive such accommodations. Click on the links below to see the responses provided and photographs from each facility's lactation rooms. We hope you'll be inspired once you see how the use of a little creativity and energy can go a long way in supporting breastfeeding employees. In turn, this support can generate significant employee loyalty and can decrease employee absence due to illness of their child. All in all, a win-win situation!

AOL
Baltimore City Health Department
Greater Baltimore Medical Center
Children's National Medical Center
Community Clinic, Inc.
Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States
National Institutes of Health
Northwest Hospital
Washington Adventist Hospital

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