workplace support programs

Returning to Work

Despite the best efforts of government, industry and health organizations to encourage breastfeeding, a proportion of mothers in the U.S. cannot or choose not to breastfeed for a number of reasons. Additionally, efforts to increase breastfeeding duration in the U.S.

Cultural Support and Acceptance for Whatever Feeding Method You Choose

Besides returning to work and participation in the WIC program, a woman’s cultural support system, including her parents, extended family and friends, has been shown to be an influential factor that affects breast feeding duration. Studies have shown that women who initiate breastfeeding at birth have success based on encouragement from parents and relatives. Likewise, a lack of emotional support has been cited as a reason for early termination of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Support

In response to questions about the American Dietetic Association’s Position Statement, Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding, the International Formula Council offers the following statement:

The International Formula Council (IFC)* agrees that breast-feeding http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/advocacy_1728_ENU_HTML.htm is the ideal method of feeding and nurturing infants.

The IFC strongly supports the positive promotion of breast-feeding, and agrees that the barriers to breast-feeding for women in society, especially those in the workforce, should b

Breastfeeding Rates Affected by Work

The Effect of Employment Status on Breastfeeding in the United States

Research reported in the August 2006 edition of Women’s Health Issues indicates that women who are employed full-time are significantly less likely to initiate breastfeeding or to breastfeed their infants at all.  Researchers based their conclusions on data examining the relationship between employment status and a mother’s decision to brea