Developing a worksite lactation program

Abstract

This article describes the literature about worksite lactation programs and how such a service might be established to enhance breastfeeding success and lead to healthful outcomes for the mother and the baby. Because studies have demonstrated consistently that breastfeeding is associated with lower rates of infant illness, and that full-time maternal employment decreases breastfeeding duration, establishing an onsite lactation program within a corporation or organization could assist employees in maintaining ideal nutrition for their infants. Net gains for the organization, such as decreased absenteeism and fewer healthcare benefit claims can occur. The author suggests that the establishment of such a program by a nurse can be a successful nursing intervention.