How employers can help new moms transition back to work

Working moms are the fastest-growing workforce segment, which makes them an incredibly valuable resource to any employer. So providing them with a smooth transition back to work after having baby is not only a win for mom and baby, it’s also a big win for employers.

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And the reasons are both clear and documented. Studies suggest when breastfeeding moms feel comfortable, their morale is boosted. As a result, many employers’ turnover rates are lowered, missed work days decrease, and health care costs are also lowered. By taking a few simple steps to really care for your moms, employers will be creating a happier, more productive work environment that generates substantial savings.

Easing the transition for breastfeeding moms

One important step you can take as an employer to support breastfeeding moms is to simply ask them what they need. Let them know that when they are ready to return, you support and recognize the importance of their ability to successfully breastfeed. Notice how we included, ‘when they are ready,’ which is a new, progressive way to look at things. It might be time to relook and update your maternity leave policy, or even implement one.

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In 2014, Obama granted federal workers six weeks of paid maternity leave, which some employers are using as a model for their own policies. However, in some cases, six weeks isn’t enough time, as that is roughly as long as it takes for the body to physically heal after giving birth.

Plus, not all babies are the same. Some don’t begin sleeping for five to six consecutive hours during the night until they are eight months old, leading to months of mental and physical exhaustion for mom. That can be coupled with postpartum depression when maternity leaves aren’t long enough.

When six weeks isn’t enough time, you have a few options, such as providing moms more time at reduced or unpaid salary. You could also allow moms to use their vacation days at the end of their maternity leave, or offer flexibility with work from home days or reduced hours and provide additional benefits to reduce stress.

It is important to empower employees and families by providing the time and resources needed to bond with newborns. It’s also critical to advocate for breastfeeding moms everywhere, beginning by allowing them to take good care of their own.

Creating an in-house breastfeeding space

As moms return to work they need to be able to continue breastfeeding to maintain or increase their milk flow, prevent potential health complications, and of course, provide nutritious meals for their babies.

Step one involves finding a dedicated space for mom that isn’t in the restroom. It needs to be safe, comfortable, and private. A room with no windows would work best, but if the room has windows, update the blinds to ensure privacy.

A good lactation room also needs to include all the necessary items for successful breastfeeding. Comfortable seating, a sink and counter space for sanitizing breastfeeding supplies, and a mini-fridge for breastmilk storage (not used for other foods) are also essential features. Depending on the number of new mothers in the office, the space may need to include a signup calendar.

Many new mothers feel as if a quiet and relaxing room with enough space to give them the ability to catch up on simple tasks – like emails – while pumping makes the transition back to work much more seamless. They feel appreciated and often more productive as a result.

Working moms are an incredibly valuable resource to the workforce and employers. The more that can be done to ensure they can successfully parent and breastfeed while returning to work, the better the outcome will be for both mom and employer.

Jennifer Jordan is the Director of Mom & Baby at Aeroflow Healthcare, a durable medical equipment provider that has provided breast pumps through insurance to hundreds of thousands of women. Jennifer and her team works directly with new and expecting moms to support their breastfeeding needs.