Most states in the U.S. have legislation that requires employers to provide a private lactation room where employees can pump and express their milk, making it easier for working moms to balance family and work life.
So what are these lactation rooms like and how do you set one up? We’ll tell you!
Lactation rooms can be set-up in no time and if you’re energized about the process, talk to your boss or HR representative to get one set up. To start, locate a private room with a door that locks from the inside (not a bathroom), and then check off the following:
- A few comfortable chairs to sit in while pumping
- An electrical outlet for plugging in a breast pump
- A table to put a breast pump and other supplies
- A sink in the room if possible, and if not, nearby so moms can clean out their pumping supplies and wash their hands
- Identify someone who is responsible for cleaning the room
Some “bonus” features may include:
- A small refrigerator for storing breast milk
- Soft lighting and décor that promote relaxation
- A good double electric pump
- Magazines and newspapers for mom’s to read while expressing (if they pump hands free!)
If your office doesn’t have a lactation room or a policy enacted, remind your boss that workplace lactation programs often reduce health care costs and employee absenteeism, as breastfeeding keeps mom and baby healthier!
Celebrity Baby Blog recently spoke to Cleveland-based OB/GYN Dr. Majorie Greenfield, author of Dr. Spock’s Pregnancy Guide and The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book, about what to pack in your “time to go to the hospital” bag – both for your labor and post-baby’s arrival.
Click here to read, “The five expert tips.”
For more on what to pack in your hospital bag, here is a link to BabyZone.com’s checklist.
We recently read about Project Working Mom 2010, a cool, new initiative from eLearners.com that provides free information and resources to working moms (and dads) who want to go back to school to earn a college degree. Many working parents aren’t able to overcome the challenges and barriers that lie in their way such as time, money and confidence.
Project Working Mom 2010 hopes to assist working mothers by raising awareness of the educational opportunities available, providing support and being a resource for information on pursuing a higher education.
What a great initiative! The life of a working mother is busy enough…so if you’re thinking of adding school into the mix, it can seem slightly (to very) overwhelming. Hopefully Project Working Mom 2010 can be a much-needed “go-to” for mothers who wish to advance their career through education.
To find out more information about Project Working Mom 2010, including their recent release that they are now offering nearly $5 million in tuition-free scholarships, click here.
