Tips to Support Your Breastfeeding Co-worker

Societal pressures are often at the root of mothers' issues with success in breastfeeding. To help maximize support to your co-worker, read our tips below. 

Know the facts: 

• She is allowed to pump where she feels comfortable on campus (her office, a private room).
• • The new healthcare law and Tulane's staff handbook (p. 23) specifies that she has the right to pump someplace other than a bathroom.
• Breastfeeding provides the best-known nutrition to her baby and is the normal method of infant feeding.
• She will need breaks to pump: every three to four hours for about 15-30 minutes each session.
• • If she skips a session, her breasts will become uncomfortably full (and she might suffer) and more importantly, it will cause her supply of milk to decrease.
  • Breastmilk does not need "special handling precautions". Thus, she can store breastmilk in shared refrigerators and it will not affect your food.
• By breastfeeding, her baby will be healthier.
• • She will miss less days, be more productive and this will probably make your job easier.
  • In addition, Tulane saves money and health care costs are reduced… a win-win!

Be Supportive and Flexible:

• You can be supportive by showing interest in her baby. Ask her questions or to see a picture of her baby. (Don't forget to listen to the answers!)
• Don't be afraid to ask questions.
• Acknowledge and applaud her decision to continue providing breastmilk to her baby, after she has come back to work.
• • Don't ask her about formula, suggest formula or in any way mention formula to her. Breastmilk is the perfect and only nutrition a baby needs until 6 months of age. By supplementing, a mom could lose the ability to exclusively breastfeed.
• Recognize the positive impact her decision will make on the community.
• Encourage her to "Keep on pumping…"