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Breastfeeding at Work
Did you know that in May 2008, Vermont’s labor law was amended to include a requirement that employers provide a private 
space and break time during the day for breastfeeding mothers to express milk for their child? It’s a tough economy. Vermont workplaces need lower health care costs, lower turnover rates, lower absenteeism rates, and higher employee productivity and morale. Providing lactation support is a win-win situation. It’s obviously best for new mothers and their babies, but it turns out that it’s best for business too! Vermont’s Breastfeeding Network, Department of Health, and Commission on Women announce a statewide initiative to increase the numbers of businesses who provide lactation support to breastfeeding employees. It’s NEW, it’s FREE and it’s the law in Vermont. The Business Case for Breastfeeding is part of a nationwide initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Maternal and Child Health Bureau aimed at encouraging women to breastfeed their infants for a longer duration after they return to work. Vermont was selected by HHS as one of 10 states to implement this project. There are trained volunteers in all parts of the state ready to help businesses – FREE. For more information, contact the Vermont Department of Health WIC State Breastfeeding Coordinator, Tricia Cassi, at 802-652-4177, by email or visit www.breastfeedvermont.info
For information for adoptive moms who want to nurse their babies there are a few pioneers who have been highly successful. Those mothers breastfeeding a baby coming to a family by adoption is the most in need of support by the lactation community, as Tricia Cassi is a good contact but most LaLeche leaders and lactation consultants are un-knowledgable and often discouraging. So, too, are adoption agencies, whose social workers haven’t a clue about this.
Tricia was my LaLeche leader when I nursed my 3-month-old who was born in Korea (now 13 and thriving) and was highly supportive. I have published a pamphlet about adoptive nursing which is available to individuals and groups. I am happy to receive email requests at catamoun52@gmavt.net. The booklet costs $5 plus postage.