New Mothers Returning to Work
New mothers who breastfeed and mothers returning to work face a range of transitions that provoke many questions. In the early months it can be a struggle to establish good rhythms. Staying in step after returning to work requires a different approach.
You can count on this blog for reliable, well researched information about the issues that concern mothers who are breastfeeding, especially those who expect to return to work.
Corporate Lactation Resources
As the healthcare laws change, more businesses will be required to provide lactation rooms, making it easier for women to breastfeed when they return to work. Breastfeeding through the first year is better for mothers and babies, and when babies are healthier and happier their parents are more effective employees who don’t have to take as much time off for child care.
After running successful corporate lactation programs for more than 17 years, we are proud to share our experience and recommendations in this blog. Read on to learn what your business can do to develop cost-effective corporate lactation programs that comply with the new laws.
*Please note that the information presented here is not intended to replace medical care and treatment from a doctor—it will help new mothers ask better questions and employers address the challenges of changing healthcare requirements.
Bloggers
Jane Balkam, PhD, APRN, CPNP, IBCLC
Jane has a personal and professional stake in educating mothers, businesses, and organizations about the importance of breastfeeding and the challenges mothers face when returning to work full-time while still breastfeeding. As a mother who worked full-time and breastfed when it had much less support, she knows the challenges first hand and founded a company to offer women and businesses better options.
Jane has been politically active in national organizations promoting breastfeeding as a key component of infant health and her extensive health care expertise includes:
- Over 20 years of experience counseling breastfeeding mothers
- Pioneering work establishing and overseeing some of the first corporate lactation programs
- A PhD from the Union Institute & University where she specialized in Maternal Child/Breastfeeding and Human Lactation
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) credentials
- Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) credentials, and
- Certification by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLC).
- Member of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA).
As the owner of Babies ‘n Business LLC and a Corporate Lactation Consultant, Jane is in a unique position to support businesses, mothers, and babies.