Supporting Breastfeeding Moms at Work: How a Doctor's Note Can Make the Difference

Breastfeed Med. 2017 Oct;12(8):470-472. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2017.0107. Epub 2017 Aug 17.

Abstract

One of the most critical junctures for community support of breastfeeding is the mother's return to work. When breastfeeding workers have access to both time and space for expressing breast milk, they are more likely to breastfeed for the recommended term, yet many mothers still struggle to access these simple accommodations in their workplace. Healthcare providers can and should aid nursing mothers in accessing these accommodations. One tangible way to offer support for continued breastfeeding upon return to work is to provide notes for lactation accommodation in the workplace.

Keywords: accommodations; doctor's note; legal issues; pumping; work; workplace.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Feeding* / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Mothers* / psychology
  • Occupational Health*
  • Physician's Role*
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Social Support
  • United States
  • Women's Health*
  • Women, Working* / psychology
  • Workplace* / psychology