Lactation Support
Lactation provides numerous benefits for both parents and babies. For mothers, it can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression, breast and ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis. For babies, lactation provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and protection against infections.
Resources
- Baby Cafe - Peer Support Program for Lactating Parents
- Information on the 10 Steps / Baby Friendly Hospitals
- Educational posters and handouts; reach out to connect and receive examples
Support
- Information on the latest state law mandates around lactation in the workplace
- Planning support for peer lactation programs
- Signage for lactation spaces
- Presentations to employers, healthcare organizations, and others as requested
Catch a Glimpse of the 19th Annual lactation summit
improving together
Northeast SHIP partners with the MN Breastfeeding Coalition, Essentia Health, St Luke’s, Cloquet Memorial Hospital, and Medica to improve lactation rates across the Northeast.
Research shows that providing a lactation support program is not only highly desired by breastfeeding employees, it can also improve your company's return on investment by saving money in health care and employee expenses.
Employers that support lactation in the workplace see less absenteeism and improved productivity.
All major medical organizations recommend that babies receive human milk exclusively during the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding for baby’s first year and beyond. It keeps both babies and mothers healthier.
Lactation support in the workplace means less turnover. When lactation support is in place, up to 92% of breastfeeding employees return to work after childbirth. That’s compared to 59% of employees whose workplaces don’t offer lactation support.
Wondering where to start?
Connect with us to find out how SHIP can help.
Key Tips to remember
Plan ahead
Learn as much as you can before the baby's birth, and talk with your employer about your options. Planning ahead can help you continue to enjoy breastfeeding your baby long after your maternity leave is over.
Take a class
Take a breastfeeding class, which may be offered at the hospital where you plan to deliver your baby. These classes offer tips on returning to work and continuing to breastfeed.
Find support
Join a breastfeeding support group to talk with other moms about breastfeeding while working.
Connect
Lactation provides numerous benefits for parents and babies. SHIP works to improve lactation rates across the region. We want to talk with you about how SHIP can help. Reach out to the connect form to schedule a meeting.
