Breastfeeding & Working Resources

Increasing the number of breastfeeding-friendly employers in San Diego County means

healthier babies, healthier moms, and healthier bottom lines.

Why support Breastfeeding in the Workplace?
Logic Model

About two-thirds of U.S. women are employed during pregnancy and about 70 percent of them report taking some time off, according to most recent figures from the National Center for Health Statistics. 

Returning to work after the birth of a baby is a critical transition point – many mothers choose to stop breastfeeding at this time due to concerns about pumping in the workplace; other mothers may prolong their leave or not return to work at all if they perceive an unsupportive environment.

Despite the protections in place to support breastfeeding for employees, the burden still falls on working mothers to advocate for the resources they need, according to a new study from the University of Georgia.

Having a lactation policy made a huge difference. Before the policy, I had to search for rooms to borrow – some of which did not have locks. After the policy, I felt I had a lot more support and knew of appropriate, secure rooms that I could use. I was even able to exceed my goals!

- Nina C. Iwanaga, Employee, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency

2019 Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Award Winners

Small Company Award Winner
Chosen Foods
Small Company Award Winner
Qualcomm, Inc.
Honorary Recognition
Best Start Birth Center

2020 Workplace Award Nominations

Each year the SDCBC calls for nominations for Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplaces that have implemented best practices of breastfeeding support for their employees in their respective industry. Nominate a Business for the 2020 Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Award presented by the San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition

2020 Nominations
The lactation policy and education has helped our associates and managers recognize the importance of accommodating breastfeeding employees. This program helps us stay in compliance with the law and keeps our new mothers in the workforce.

-Shawn Stout, Pinnacle Hotels, Inc.

The resources below can help both employers and employees support and promote lactation accommodation in the workplace. To develop a comprehensive program it is key to include a written policy, system for communication, environmental changes, along with resources and education for staff. Worksites who offer lactation accommodation can realize health care cost savings, decreased absenteeism and turnover and more productive, satisfied, and loyal employees.

Resources for Employees

ACLU and BreastfeedLA have partnered to create a frequently asked questions So Cal guide.

Resources for Employers

Updated Links Coming Soon

It is important for school boards to encourage administrators and principals to create supportive work environments to help breastfeeding employees continue breastfeeding while working. This improves children’s and employees’ health, saves on health claims, reduces absenteeism, and improves employee morale. And when the children of these employees reach school-age, schools reap an additional benefit – healthier children in our classrooms.

-Richard Barrera, San Diego Unified School District

Resources for Schools

 

The County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative strives to build better health, in the community and for County of San Diego staff. In the Health and Human Services Agency, we’ve already implemented a Lactation Policy and are working to cover all County departments and 15,000+ employees. Breastfeeding provides a baby’s healthiest first food and having a policy in place helps support making the healthy choice the easy choice.

-Wilma Wooten, MD, MPH, Public Health Officer, County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency

Resources for Government Agencies

Legislation

 

The San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition is a registered nonprofit association driven by the mission to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding through education, advocacy, and outreach in our community. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we rely on our generous donors, members, and volunteers to continue our mission for thousands of families across San Diego County. Your contribution is very much appreciated and will go directly towards supporting breastfeeding families in our community.