The media have been covering local events aimed at increasing awareness of the benefits of breast-feeding. Yet one recent step seems to have eluded media attention.
The State Personnel Commission has made North Carolina a leader by adopting a Lactation Support Policy. By supporting accommodations with regard to private space and break time, this policy will make it much easier for state employees who are new moms to continue breast-feeding after returning to the work place. Since the state itself is North Carolina's largest employer, we hope that this example will encourage other employers to extend this important benefit. This is a win-win-win proposition.
The employee who wishes to breast-feed obviously wins, because one of her fondest wishes is realized. The employer wins because studies show that the creation of a breast-feeding-friendly workplace enhances the retention of experienced employees, actually reduces sick time taken by moms for infants' illnesses and lowers insurance costs.
