Part 4, Chapter 7: Manual Exhibit 4-7-C

Q.  Why should we have such a program?

The Lactation Support Program allows management to support breastfeeding in the workplace.  It standardizes options for women in the workplace who are considering infant feeding choices.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Enthusiastic support and involvement of all health organizations, especially public health organizations in promotion of breastfeeding and assuring a supportive environment for successful breastfeeding is essential to the achievement of optimal infant and child health, growth, and development."

One out of 3 women return to work within 3 months of giving birth, and 2 out of 3 women return to work within 6 months of giving birth.  Women with infants and children below the age three are the fastest growing segment of the workforce.  American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women comprise over 50 percent of the Indian Health Service (IHS) workforce.

Breastfeeding provides the ideal nutrition for infants.  Both the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the IHS have policies to support breastfeeding.  Increasing the rates of breastfeeding is a compelling public health goal, especially for AI/AN women who are less likely to initiate and sustain breastfeeding throughout the infant's first year.

Employers benefit when their employees breastfeed.  Breastfed infants are sick less often; therefore, maternal absenteeism from work is significantly lower in agencies with established breastfeeding friendly programs.  In addition, employer medical costs are lower and employee productivity is higher.

Q.  What if the program does not work?

Talk to your immediate Supervisor and also seek assistance from the Office of Human Resources staff to problem-solve.

Q.  What are the costs of such a lactation support program?

There are minimal costs associated with implementing a lactation support program.  Optimally, you can provide a hospital grade electric pump.  If you and your program are able to provide this equipment, you can find out about breastfeeding resources in the Yellow Pages or through the La Leche League or IHS Lactation Consultant.

Q.  How long should we allow a woman to continue to pump in the work setting?

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, American Academy of Family Practice, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for the first 4-6 months.  The HHS and the IHS encourages all women to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months before introducing solid foods and continue to breastfeed for 12 months or longer.

Q.  What union issues might come up?

Indian Health Service Management will satisfy Labor-Relations obligations.