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?

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.
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
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
- Steps to Working and Breastfeeding
- Why Breastfeeding is Important
- Employees Guide to Breastfeeding and Working (Spanish)
- Breastfeeding and Working California Law
- Breastfeeding and Working Federal Law (Spanish)
- Six Key Laws for Parents (Spanish)
- State of Breastfeeding Coverage: Health Plan Violations of the Affordable Care Act
Resources for Employers
- Steps to Implementing a Lactation Program
- Business Case for Breastfeeding for Managers
- Lactation Accommodation Laws
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) Insurance Benefits/Coverage
- Lactation Accommodation Assessment Tool
- Sample Lactation Accommodation Policy
- Allocating Space for Breastfeeding Employees
- American Institute of Architects - Designing a Lactation Room
- Sample Lactation Program Announcement Flyer (Spanish)
- Drop-In Letter Sample 1 Sample 2
- Sample Training for Human Resources and Managers
- Measuring Success - Business Assessment
- Employee Satisfaction Survey - For Breastfeeding Employees (Spanish)
- Maternity Leave Packet (Spanish)
- Employer Solutions
Resources for Schools
- Teachers/Employees (also see employee resources):
- Steps for Working and Breastfeeding at School
- How to Make it Work at Your School
- Tips for Teachers Who Pump
- Principal Training
- Sample Policy
- San Diego County School Districts with Existing Lactation Accommodation Policies