Breastfeeding
FRC has a breastfeeding email listserv for MSU faculty and staff.
If you are interested in being added to this list, please contact FRC.
Click here to download a printable sign to use on the door when breastfeeding is in session.
Michigan State University supports breastfeeding mothers. The MSU administration understands the benefits of breastfeeding and encourages supervisors to provide a supportive environment for mothers who choose to nurse their babies or express/pump their breast milk during the work day. In a memo dated October 25, 1999, to deans, chairpersons, and unit supervisors, Provost Simon and Vice President Poston stated:
“We encourage your support of MSU women to facilitate a successful return to work from maternity leave. Other employers who support new mothers have experienced improved attendance while the mother makes a positive transition to work. Your support can be demonstrated as described to provide a positive outcome.”
- Initiate early discussions with individuals regarding return to work plans
- Identify and provide space for expressing or nursing
- Be flexible with work schedules
- Foster supportive work environments
If the mother has chosen to breastfeed her infant, the university offers options to support her in this decision because:
- Employee productivity is improved and absenteeism is reduced
- Breastfed children are healthier
- Breast milk provides infants all the nutrients necessary for optimal physical and mental development
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians firmly adhere to the position that breastfeeding ensures the best possible health, as well as the best developmental and psycho-social outcomes for the infant.
- Breastfeeding is a benefit to the baby, the mother, and the employer
- Breastfeeding helps develop a strong mother-child relationship
- Mothers who choose to breastfeed are healthier
- Breastfeeding families save money on food and healthcare
- Breastfeeding contributes to a better environment by using less energy and creating less waste
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advocates breastfeeding: “breastfeeding promotion is currently among the Healthy People 2010 national Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives.”
Barriers to breastfeeding
- Lack of helpful information
- Lack of a flexible workplace
- Lack of a site to feed or pump
- Lack of role models from family or friends
We can help with:
- Breast pump loans or rental information for low-income families
- Peer counseling and individual support
- Discussions of flexible schedules in your unit
- Finding a private place to nurse or express near your work site
- Connecting with other nursing mothers at MSU
- Finding additional resources and support
Breastfeeding Series (Fall & Spring Schedule)
“Breastfeeding: How to Get Started and Keep Going”
Although breastfeeding is natural, it is a learned skill. This three-part program is designed to give pregnant women and their partners information on preparing to breastfeed and strategies for continuing to breastfeed upon returning to work.
Presenter: Mary Machowicz RN, Expectant Parents Organization
Fall Dates: Tuesday, October 20th, 27th, and November 3rd, 2009
Spring Dates: Tuesday, March16th, 23rd, 30th, 2010
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Location: Nisbet Building, Room 27
Cost: Free!
Week 1: Introduction to Breastfeeding: Benefits, How Breastfeeding Works
Week 2: Baby is Here! – Getting Started – The Mechanics of Breastfeeding – positioning, latching on, feeding patterns, challenges
Week 3: Maintaining Breastfeeding – lifestyle, Expressing and Storing Milk, Returning to work
Breastfeeding Links
LaLeche League
International Lactation Consultant Association
A community for parents who breastfeed