Healthier You > Breastfeeding

Importance of Work and Breastfeeding

Benefits for employers supporting mothers to continue breastfeeding their babies

Reduced absenteeism – breastfed babies are healthier, there will be less days off to care for a sick baby, and fewer trips to the doctor
Increased productivity – employers who support breastfeeding mothers enhance employer-employee relations resulting in a more motivated, committed and productive workforce
Lower staff turnover – there are reduced recruitment costs due to lower staff turnover, or loss of skilled workers, as mothers are more likely to return, or return sooner, from maternity leave
Reduced training costs – there is also a higher financial return to the employers investment in ‘on-the-job’ training due to earlier return from maternity leave or improved staff retention. Employees retain their work skills and thus require less re-training
Positive corporate image – there will be a more cost-effective recruiting capacity due to a ‘good employer’ reputation and a positive corporate image

Healthier baby – mothers have fewer trips to the doctor or sleepless nights tending to a sick baby and spend less on health care. This means they are happier and more productive at work
Less time off work – Parents are less likely to be absent from work due to illness of the baby and are better able to concentrate on their work knowing their baby is well
Healthy mother – mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of developing health problems such as ovarian cancer and pre-menopausal breast cancer
Free baby food – formula can cost more than $1200 per year – breastmilk is free