Breastfeeding In The Workplace

WASHINGTON — The Incorporators of Waterbury Hospital will offer a panel discussion, “Breastfeeding in Your Workplace: Are You Ready?” on Thursday, September 6, from 7:30 to 9 am. The program will be held in Bizzozero Conference Room, fourth floor of the hospital.

A new state law enacted this summer, Public Act No. 01-182, supports a mother’s right to nurse or breastfeed during her breaks at work. Panel members from Waterbury Hospital, Connecticut Public Health Department, and St Mary’s Hospital, will discuss what this new Connecticut law means for employers, the benefits of breastfeeding, and what it takes to be a breastfeeding-friendly workplace. To pre-register, call Grace Linbard, Fund Development, at 203-573-6085.

“Breastfeeding is beneficial for mothers and their babies. Mother and baby benefit immunologically, physiologically, nutritionally, and emotionally while reaping the obvious cost-savings of unnecessary formula purchases,” said Richard Johnson, MD, director of Pediatric Medicine at Waterbury Hospital. “Providing a friendly environment for nursing mothers returning to the workplace brings employers many benefits as well from lower health care costs to fewer missed days at work.”

Guest speakers are members of the Greater Waterbury Community Breastfeeding Taskforce, a collaborative effort with representatives from the Greater Waterbury community that work to support breastfeeding and reaffirm its benefits to mothers, babies, and families.