How Cambridge Workplaces Can Support Breastfeeding Employees


By Josefine Wendel, MS, RD, Cambridge Public Health Department


Did you know that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower her child’s risk of infections, obesity, and other conditions? Breastfeeding also reduces the mother’s risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and breast cancer.
Despite these advantages, many American moms stop breastfeeding when they return to work. One frequently cited reason is an unsupportive work environment.

To make breastfeeding a viable choice for more working women, a 2010 federal law requires employers to provide reasonable break time and private (non-bathroom) space for nursing mothers to pump milk.
The good news for employers is that complying with the law does not have to be difficult or require a lot of money. In fact, supporting breastfeeding mothers can be good for business by reducing health care costs, absenteeism, and turnover rates, according to The Business Case for Breastfeeding, a government publication.

Here in Cambridge, workplaces have taken some creative approaches to support their breastfeeding employees.

The Monitor Group, an international consulting group, was recognized in 2010 as a breastfeeding friendly employer by the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition. “We are very accommodating to moms who want to pump or breastfeed,” said Crystal McDermott, a human resources representative. At the Monitor Group, nursing moms can reserve a conference room for expressing milk or use private “nap rooms” in the gym area. If an employee has her own office, she can pump there as well.
Like many smaller employers, the Cambridge Public Health Department does not have designated space for breastfeeding moms, but the organization makes it work nonetheless. “Our staff nurses and nutritionists encouraged me to breastfeed,” recalled Suzy Feinberg, the department’s communications specialist. She was able to use an unoccupied office for pumping and stored her milk in the staff refrigerator. Her officemate created an “off-site” schedule, so Suzy could pump in their shared office when her colleague was in meetings.

Taking breaks and finding space is even more challenging for those moms who do not work in an office. Maria Rebecca Gomez, who works at the deli of the Harvest Co-Op Market, returned to work when her son Rogelio was seven weeks old. She used the store’s community room to pump, posting a sign on the door to alert her co-workers that the room was occupied. “In the beginning, I pumped twice during the day, not every two hours, because the deli is very busy,” said Maria. “After five months I just pumped once during the day.” She felt good about the support she got from her employer and continued to pump at work until her son until he was eight months old.

Some tips for employers:
Moms may be uncomfortable bringing up the topic of breastfeeding. It helps for employers to take the initiative and indicate their support.
If private space is limited, make a schedule and give priority to breastfeeding employees.  
To find out more, please visit http://massbreastfeeding.org/pdf/Breastfeeding_and_Employment-MBC_website.pdf.  
East Cambridge Savings Bank advertisement


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14