Welcome to Workplace Lactation Week™, a dedicated week celebrated along with National Breastfeeding Month, with a special focus on the journey from legal requirements (policy) to creating a supportive environment (practice). This themed week serves as an invaluable resource for leaders, parents, and businesses, providing essential information, resources, and best practices to promote a lactation-friendly work environment. 

Planning for this important initiative began in 2022, with the first-ever Workplace Lactation Week™ celebrated September 1-7, 2023. It is now celebrated annually from September 1st to September 7th to coincide with Labor Day.

The theme for Workplace Lactation Week™ 2024 is "Policy to Practice: Making Lactation Support a Reality" In the United States there are now three federal lactation laws, and numerous state and local lactation laws to guide organizations and support new parents. The PUMP (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections) Act, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), and Title IX Regulations are important federal laws aimed at enhancing support for nursing mothers and parents. 

Workplace Lactation Week™ is observed annually from September 1st to September 7th. This week not only celebrates the contributions of nursing mothers and parents in the workplace but also aligns with Labor Day, highlighting the vital role working and pumping parents play in the workforce. It's a time to recognize and support the efforts of working parents who balance the responsibilities of their careers and caring for their children.

Supporting nursing mothers at work goes beyond basic compliance; it fosters a workplace culture that values employees' well-being and recognizes the critical role of chest/breastfeeding. Here's why workplace lactation support matters:

1. Health and Well-being: Chest/breastfeeding offers unparalleled health benefits for babies, enhancing their immunity and overall development. For mothers, lactating reduces the risk of various health conditions such as ovarian, breast, and thyroid cancers, and promotes postpartum recovery.
2. Employee Retention and Satisfaction: Providing lactation support demonstrates care and commitment to employees, leading to higher job satisfaction and improved retention rates.
3. Increased Productivity: When nursing mothers and parents have access to comfortable and designated lactation spaces, they can express human milk efficiently and return to work with increased focus and productivity.
4. Legal Compliance: Complying with lactation support laws not only avoids penalties but also reinforces a company's commitment to ethical practices and inclusive family friendly policies.

Collaborate with Experts: Partner with workplace lactation experts, breastfeeding organizations, and government organizations to enhance your network and support parents at work.

Community Events: Join our community events, where nursing mothers, parents, leaders, and businesses can connect, share experiences, and inspire each other to support working parents.

Spread the Word: 

• First celebrated in 2023, 2024 is the Second Annual Workplace Lactation Week™!
• Official Facebook Page: Facebook.com/WorkplaceLactationWeek
• Official Instagram Page: @WorkplaceLactationWeek or Instagram.com/WorkplaceLactationWeek
• Download The 2024 Logo
• Hashtags: #WLW #WLW2024 #WorkplaceLactationWeek and #PolicyToPractice

Feedback and Surveys: Engage with participants and gather feedback to assess the effectiveness and impact of your workplace lactation support programs and readiness for new and existing legislation.

Tracking Progress: Monitor absenteeism rates, employee satisfaction, and retention data to measure the positive impact of lactation support on your organization. The “Business Case for Breastfeeding” is a great example of the positive impact supporting pumping parents has on the bottom line.

Join us during Workplace Lactation Week™ 2024 in celebrating the remarkable contributions of nursing mothers and parents in the workplace. Together, we can create a nurturing and supportive environment that empowers working parents, boosts employee well-being, and sets the stage for a thriving and inclusive workplace.