SHELTON, CT, October 21, 2010–Federal law now requires employers to support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace, yet more than 70 percent of employers still need to make the appropriate accommodations. For those seeking guidance on this important issue, LifeCare®, Inc., a leading provider of health and productivity solutions for employers nationwide, has issued a special report, “Workplace Breastfeeding Support: A Legal and Business Imperative,” that is available for free download at http://www.lifecare.com/docs/Breastfeeding_SpecialReport_2010.pdf.
The report contains facts about new federal requirements, timely research to support the business case for implementing a support program, and best practices that have been proven to be successful for employers across the nation. According to research contained in the report, employers who support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace reap a number of compelling business and financial rewards including:
— Reduced health care costs: $13 billion in direct health care costs could be saved annually if 90 percent of women would breastfeed exclusively for six months.
— Decreased absenteeism: Women who continue to breastfeed after returning to work are absent less often due to baby-related illnesses and they have shorter absences when they do miss work, compared with women who do not breastfeed.
— Faster return to work: Working mothers who continue nursing after returning to work typically take shorter maternity leaves and have higher morale overall.
“In addition to these advantages, employers who support workplace breastfeeding also enjoy enhanced employer-of-choice status, which is a tremendous advantage in the competition for talent,” said LifeCare’s CEO, Peter G. Burki. “Many employers are surprised to learn how small the cost is to implement a workplace breastfeeding program, especially given their significant return on investment. Without question, implementing a support program is not only the right thing to do but it’s the smart thing to do as well.”
LifeCare provides employers across the nation with comprehensive workplace breastfeeding support services including its award-winning Mothers at Work® program, the industry’s premier workplace breastfeeding program. Through Mothers at Work, nursing mothers have access to board-certified lactation consultants 24/7, discounted breast pumps, prenatal/breastfeeding classes, a special kit filled with educational breastfeeding products and materials, and referrals to lactation consultants and childcare/parenting resources nationwide.
Download your free copy of the LifeCare special report, “Workplace Breastfeeding Support: A Legal and Business Imperative,” here.
About LifeCare®, Inc.
LifeCare is a leading provider of health and productivity solutions for employers nationwide, offering cost-saving benefits that help clients reduce their most pervasive absenteeism and productivity drains, including child and elder care, caregiving support, health and wellness issues, and more. For more than two decades, LifeCare has led the work/life industry in the creation of high-quality, results-oriented programs designed to improve clients’ bottom lines. LifeCare serves 1,500 client companies with 4.5 million individuals within corporations, health plans, government agencies and unions. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.
###
Notes to Editors:
LifeCare’s CEO, Peter G. Burki, is available for interview.
Media contact: Catherine Futoma, 203-291-3756, cfutoma(at)lifecare(dot)com
This press release was distributed through PR Web by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.