The Wellness Council of Indiana (WCI), a subsidiary of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, has released a new resource aimed at helping employers support lactating employees. The Indiana Employer Lactation Program Guide was developed in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health to provide companies with practical tools for creating and maintaining workplace lactation programs.
Ashley O’Rourke, executive director of WCI, highlighted the benefits for both businesses and employees. “Workplace lactation support benefits both employers and employees,” O’Rourke said. “For working mothers, it reduces stress and barriers to breastfeeding, contributing to better health outcomes for both mother and child. For employers, lactation support has been shown to improve employee retention, reduce absenteeism and enhance workplace satisfaction.”
Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicates that companies offering lactation support have a 94% retention rate among employees returning from maternity leave, compared to a national average of 59%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also notes that such programs can cut absenteeism related to infant illness by up to half.
The guide offers step-by-step advice on accommodating breastfeeding mothers at work. It covers how to create effective policies, design appropriate spaces, comply with legal requirements, and communicate support for new parents.
O’Rourke added: “Supporting lactating employees is not just about meeting a legal requirement. It is about creating a workplace where parents can remain healthy, engaged and productive without unnecessary barriers. The Indiana Lactation Program Guide helps employers move from uncertainty to action by translating policy into practical, real-world solutions that support both business performance and working families.”
Employers interested in accessing the guide or learning more about upcoming wellness initiatives can visit www.wellnessindiana.org/indiana-employer-lactation-program-guide or www.wellnessindiana.org/events.
