Returning to work after having a baby is not only mentally and physically challenging, but also emotional. Many mothers who return to work after their maternity leave, are still breastfeeding. To help support mothers who work at UnityPoint Health®, the organization has enhanced its lactation rooms across its four hospital campuses in the Quad Cities and Muscatine.
Through a $500 grant from the Kerby Family Foundation, Trinity Health Foundation made several additions to make breastfeeding more comfortable for working mothers. Enhancements to the lactation rooms include:• Adding phone stands, phone charging stations, pillows and foot stools
• Boards for mothers to leave motivational messages
• Artwork
• Nursing cream samples and sanitize spray for breast pumps
• Information on breastfeeding resources
“Lactation rooms are a private space that allow our team members a quiet place to go and pump breast milk at work in a safe and comfortable way,” says Rebecca Kerby, FNP, ARNP, UnityPoint Health – Trinity. “With these updates, we hope to improve the experience for moms that are returning to work and support them through that transition.”
August 1 through 7 is World Breastfeeding Week and this year’s theme is “Supporting Working Parents.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 70% of working mothers with children younger than three years work full time. One-third of these mothers return to work within three months after birth and two-thirds return within six-months.
“Supporting breastfeeding mothers as they return to the workforce is a great way to show our team members and families that they matter,” says Jenna Hart, human resources business partner at UnityPoint Health. “As healthcare providers, we understand the importance of supporting breastfeeding moms.”
Notification:
This content has been provided via a press release or other notification system to Discover Muscatine. It is being published as a resource for the Muscatine community. Our editorial staff reserves the right to make revisions or edits for correctness, clarity, or length. All questions regarding this content should be directed to the contributor, UnityPoint Health – Trinity.
