Every company needs to make a profit to stay in business. Consequently, there is a constant search for ways to retain good employees and control costs. One way to do this is to implement a Corporate Lactation Program. But you may ask, "Why should a woman's personal infant feeding choice concern corporate America?" When women who return to work after maternity leave are encouraged to continue breastfeeding their babies through a company's lactation program, that company experiences many positive benefits. Those "bottom line benefits" include:

• Reduced staff turnover and loss of skilled workers after the birth of a child especially important in a tight labor market).
• Reduced sick time/personal leave for breastfeeding women because their babies are more resistant to illness.
• Higher job productivity, employee satisfaction and morale.
• Added recruitment incentive for women.
• Enhanced reputation as a company concerned with better business practices and the welfare of employees and their families.
• Lower healthcare costs associated with healthier, breastfed babies.

The benefits to companies have been documented in studies done at two corporations - Aetna and CIGNA Corp. Over one year, Aetna Inc. realized savings of $1435 in medical claims and three days of sick leave per breastfed baby. That was a total savings of over $108,000 which represented an almost 3-to-1 return on investment in claims alone. Reduced absenteeism for breastfeeding mothers at CIGNA resulted

For babies, there is a myriad of documented benefits including everything from increased IQ to decreased ear and respiratory infections, allergies, childhood cancers, diabetes, obesity, diarrheal illness and SIDS. Mothers with healthy children stay on the job, have fewer insurance claims, higher productivity and lower their risk of breast and ovarian cancer and obesity.

Since 1997, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that all babies receive breastmilk for a one-year minimum. The AAP guidelines also urge employers to provide a place for women to nurse or pump their milk.

What can your company do? Employers can accommodate their employees by providing a lactation program. This program should include a dedicated, private area (preferably not a bathroom or medical office for hygiene/safety reasons) to express milk during the workday. Ideally, the room should be equipped with a comfortable chair, a refrigerator for storing milk, electrical outlets, a sink for washing hands and safety guidelines. A breast pump can be provided by the employer or can be the responsibility of the employee. With outreach, more women will use the program which will result in more cost savings. Promotion of the program and lactation education (both prenatal and postpartum) provide that essential outreach. Managerial support, resource materials and information on local breastfeeding organizations can complete the program.

So with a small investment of time, space and money, a company can not only provide the support their breastfeeding employees need, but can realize a significant return on their investment. Workplace lactation programs are a "win - win" situation for all!