Breastfeeding In The Workplace

Breastfeeding in the workplace should not even be a discussion topic anymore.Aside from the American image of breasts and its uptight, Puritan ideals that are somehow entirely misplaced and miss the point, there is no correct reason for creating an atmosphere that is hostile or that rejects breastfeeding anywhere including the workplace.
Breast milk is the single most important and the healthiest food that any infant and child through the age of two can ingest.There is no concern with contamination or lack of nutrients, and it even provides much needed protections from diseases that cannot be found in any other nutrition source.Breastfeeding not only protects the child, studies have shown that it also provides the mother with protection from certain diseases.A company that allows mothers to breastfeed their children at work is saying that it values its employees. Their children and the health of everyone involved.

Breastfeeding though is so much more than just a way to get nutrition.Breastfeeding allows the mother to connect to the child in a real way.The bond that is formed through breastfeeding can help prevent postpartum depression.It also allows the child to experience its first human bond, and human beings need that bond to thrive.Children who are breastfed tend to have higher IQs, so by taking a real long term view of allowing mothers to breastfeed at work, a business is helping to provide smarter employees for future employment.
Businesses who are worried that breastfeeding may offend other employees or customers can take one of two views.The first viewpoint is that the business wants to contribute to a healthier, smarter and safer world while dispelling the hidden prejudices and ridiculous beliefs of a constrained society that cares more about looks than substance.Businesses that operate under this viewpoint will educate their employees and other shareholders about breastfeeding, make clear any penalties for derogatory remarks regarding anyone who is breastfeeding and allow women to breastfeed their children when the child needs it.
A second viewpoint is more moderate.The business recognizes that breastfeeding is a good thing for mother and child, but may be found offensive or lead to offensive behavior of some people in the organization or some shareholders.This business will allow women to breastfeed or to pump in a designated area that is hidden from view.There will probably be no education, and it may be considered by some to be the company's dirty little secret.
A third viewpoint is the result of ignorance and the old school idea that men just aren't able to control themselves at the sight of any kind of breast view - front, side, full or with a baby suckling on it.This type of is inspired by the men who think that sexual innuendo in the workplace is appropriate and it's the women's fault that she was raped, she shouldn't have dressed that way.This type of thinking degrades both men and women, reducing women to mere sexual objects and men to slobbering Neanderthals answerable only to their male members.This should not be the pervasive view of any business or government organization like Congress.
Breastfeeding in the workplace should be looked upon for what it is - a healthy way for the mother and child to bond while saving money and encouraging good health for both.Businesses that are enlightened enough to not only allow but also encourage breastfeeding should be given awards and have increased customer patronage.Those businesses that deny women and their children the benefits of breastfeeding should be vilified until they see the err of their ways.