August is National Breastfeeding Month — a time to raise awareness of the physical, emotional, and economic benefits of breast/chestfeeding, while recognizing the barriers many parents face.
Human milk and the bonding act of nursing offer well-documented health advantages for both babies and parents — and they represent an area where thoughtful employer support can make a meaningful difference.
Breastfeeding / chestfeeding is rewarding, but often takes practice and support
As Sianna Plavin, a midwife, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and Progyny Care Advocate, explains: “Human milk is an incredible thing! A parents’ body adapts to their baby, supplying milk jam-packed with immune support against both mild and life-threatening infections. Their body alters the nutrient balance when a baby is preterm to support brain development, and protects against asthma, allergies, and digestive problems. Skin-to-skin contact during nursing releases bonding hormones for baby and parent, which in turn improves baby’s brain development and can protect parents against postpartum mood disorders. Any and all human milk and nursing are wonderful for parents and babies when it is safe, appropriate, and desired.”
Despite the clear benefits Sianna outlines, support and education for families on the topic is often limited or delayed. The breast/chestfeeding journey is physically and emotionally demanding and the learning curve can come as a surprise to many new parents. In one 2020 study, 85% of mothers reported that breastfeeding was “different” than they expected, with many citing complexity as a major factor.
The early postpartum period is already a vulnerable time. Up to 20% of women experience perinatal mental health conditions, and for breast/chestfeeding, or pumping parents, the responsibility of being a baby’s sole source of nutrition can feel overwhelming, especially when paired with the logistical challenges of pumping, storing milk, or managing travel for work. These difficulties can lead new parents to stop nursing and/or pumping earlier than they would have preferred.
Employer support makes a measurable impact
Employers have a responsibility to support new parents, and the data shows it pays off. Lactation programs and feeding-friendly policies are associated with reduced absenteeism, improved focus, and better health outcomes for both parents and babies.
Here’s how thoughtful workplace support translates into real benefits:
- Reduced absenteeism: Babies who are breast/chestfed are sick less often, meaning fewer days away from work and less stress for parents.
- Improved focus: Employees who feel their employer supports their well-being are 3 times more likely to be engaged at work.
- Long-term health benefits: Breast/chestfeeding reduces a mother’s risk of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke, and type 2 diabetes, as well as lowering the risk of chronic conditions in children, including high blood pressure and obesity.
How Progyny supports breastfeeding / chestfeeding parents — and their employers
Progyny’s comprehensive women’s and family health solution is designed to support members at every stage of the journey, from preconception to postpartum and beyond. This includes guidance for all parents—whether they’re breast/chestfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, or using a combination.
At Progyny, we believe early, empathetic help during the breast/chest feeding journey can make all the difference. Our team of nurses and midwives offer support, provide education, and connect members to telehealth resources for fast, effective interventions to support parents and babies. For parents who choose to breast/chestfeed, Progyny offers a suite of products to make the experience more manageable, sustainable, and successful:
- On-demand lactation support: Through the Progyny app, members can access educational resources, connect with lactation consultants 24/7 via live coaching calls, and send unlimited questions via secure messaging.
- Doula support: Progyny’s nationwide doula access provides 24/7 support with trained non-medical professionals who offer physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth, including breast/chestfeeding education and guidance. Parents who received doula support were 2.5 times more likely to continue breast/chestfeeding at three and six months postpartum.
- Return-to-work planning: Progyny’s Pregnancy and Postpartum product gives members access to 1:1 coaching to plan for lactation and feeding, before and after birth, including personalized strategies for continuing breast/chestfeeding after returning to work.
- Milk shipping: For nursing parents who travel for work, Progyny’s milk shipping benefit includes expert guidance on pumping, safe milk storage, recommended packing materials, and reimbursement for shipping expenses.
- Benefits navigation: Progyny’s navigators provide tailored support, assisting members with optimizing available health benefits, including acquiring free breast pumps.
When the workplace works for new parents, everyone benefits. With thoughtful policies and the right tools, employers can empower women and all birthing parents to pursue both their professional and personal goals.