In "Pumping Nine to Five," attorney Jack Aryeh Marcus reports that despite a lack of legal protections, an abundance of resources are available to employees and employers who want to create a workplace that supports lactation. Marcus explains how to create a plan that clearly identifies, explains, and justifies a lactating mother's needs. And she also demonstrates how lactation policies benefit employers. Plenty of research documents that breastfeeding reduces the frequency of common childhood illnesses, which keep employees home and cost employers money. Lactation-friendly employers experience: - A cost savings of $3 per $1 invested in breastfeeding support
- Lower health-care costs (an average of $400 per baby over the first year)
- Improved employee productivity
According to the US Department of Labor, 56 percent of civilian women employed outside the home have children under the age of three. In order for these children to be fed breastmilk, most of their mothers will need the cooperation of their employers. Few state laws protect lactating employees (see the map "Workplace Pumping and the Law"), and this does need to change. But with a well-formulated plan, information, and dedication, most women employed outside the home can successfully continue to feed their children breastmilk. Jake Aryeh Marcus is a lawyer, a freelance writer, and a contributing editor to Mothering. She is available to be interviewed. This and other vital parenting articles can be found in Mothering magazine's May-June 2008 issue, available at your local bookstore, newsstand, or natural food store. Also try Mothering Digital at http://www.mothering-digital.com/mothering/samplel or go to www.mothering.com to subscribe. Mothering is a bimonthly magazine that reports on natural family living. Articles cover pregnancy, natural childbirth, breastfeeding, education alternatives, and family health issues. Mothering's editors can serve as trusted resources and spokespeople for any stories involving these topics. Representatives of the media may obtain a complimentary copy of a particular issue and/or receive a complimentary subscription to Mothering magazine by contacting Kathleen Chambers at marketing@mothering.com. | 
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