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Assignment On Breastfeeding Working Mothers

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First Latch Alternate Assignment:
Breastfeeding Working Mothers
1LT Jacy P. Correll
OBGYN Nursing Specialty Course

The employed mother in the United States makes up a significant portion of America’s work force and is an important contributor to a successful business and the economy. The CDC reports that working mothers make up 70% of the workforce but only 10% of mothers nationally successfully breastfeed to 6 months of age (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], n.d). Due to the increasing demands of the economy and a push for women to stay in the workforce, many more mothers are now faced with the unique challenges to maintain the ability to breastfeed as long as they can while working. Approximately, 79.2% …show more content…

It is estimated that families that breastfeed can reduce costs from 1200-1500 dollars yearly (Breastfeeding and Lactation Support Policy, 2016). Employers also can be rewarded for encouraging their employees to breastfeed their infants. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that women who are able to breastfeed their infants longer have and increased attendance, reduction in insurance claims, and a decreased loss of job knowledge and turnover (Employee Lactation Support Program, 2016). Also significant, infants that were breastfeed for at least 4 months have a decreased need for health care visits and antibiotics. (Hughes 2015). To increase the access for working mothers, both the affordable care act, in the civilian sector, and the breastfeeding initiative, by the Army, have projected strict guidelines to ensure that new mothers are able to provide the best nutrients for their children.
One of the major components that came from the Affordable Care Act for working breastfeeding mothers is the right for adequate space and time to pump for up to one year after birth (Wage and Hour Division, 2016). According to the law, employers are required to have a space that is private, free from interruptions from staff and the public, and most importantly, not a restroom (Hughes 2015). This space does not have to be a permanent area, but has to meet above criteria.

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