How to promote the use of lactation cabins in your company

Nursing cabins are private, safe, and hygienic spaces that allow working mothers to breastfeed their babies at work. Their use can have a positive impact on both the health and well-being of mothers and on the productivity and performance of companies.

Benefits of lactation cabins

For mothers:

• Promotes exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding: Breast milk provides babies with all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development during the first six months of life. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of illness in both mother and baby.
• Reduces stress and anxiety in mothers: Breastfeeding at work can help mothers feel less stressed and anxious, which can improve their mood and productivity.
• Improves work-life balance: Nursing cabins allow mothers to better balance their work and family lives, as they can breastfeed their babies without having to leave the office.
• Strengthens the bond between mother and baby: Breastfeeding is a unique experience that creates a special bond between mother and baby.

For businesses:

• Increase the retention of female talent: Companies that offer lactation cabins to their employees are more likely to retain working mothers, which reduces recruitment and training costs.
• Improves employee morale and productivity: Mothers who can breastfeed their babies at work are happier and more productive.
• Reduce absenteeism: Mothers who breastfeed their babies are less likely to get sick, which reduces absenteeism from work.
• Promotes a positive image of the company as a family-friendly workplace: Companies that support breastfeeding are seen as more responsible and committed to the well-being of their employees.

You may be interested in “Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers: Tips for Everyone”

Strategies to promote the use of lactation booths:

Communication:

• Inform employees about the existence of lactation booths and their benefits.
  • Create an informational brochure or explanatory video about lactation booths.
  • Organize an information session for employees on breastfeeding and the use of the booths.
• Provide training on breastfeeding and the use of booths.
  • Invite a midwife or breastfeeding specialist to give a talk or workshop at the company.
  • Offer online courses on breastfeeding.
• Create a corporate culture that supports breastfeeding.
  • Include breastfeeding in company policy.
  • Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week.
  • Recognize and reward mothers who breastfeed their babies at work.

Accessibility:

• Locate the lactation booths in a central and easily accessible location.
  • Near the breastfeeding mothers' work area.
  • In a quiet and private place.
• Ensure cabins are comfortable, private, and secure.
  • They should be of an appropriate size so that both mother and baby can be comfortable.
  • They must have a lockable door to ensure privacy.
  • They must be well lit and ventilated.
• Provide them with the necessary equipment (plugs, sinks, etc.).
  • A refrigerator for storing breast milk.
  • A microwave to heat breast milk.
  • A sink to wash your hands.
  • A diaper changing table.

Support:

• Designate a person responsible for managing the lactation cabins.
  • This person will be responsible for keeping the cabins clean and in good condition.
  • She will also be responsible for answering mothers' questions about breastfeeding and using the booths.
• Offer support to breastfeeding mothers at work.
  • Create a breastfeeding support group in the company.
  • Offer individual counseling to mothers who need it.
• Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week.
  • Organize activities to promote breastfeeding in the company.
  • Provide information and resources on breastfeeding

Remember that the information provided in this blog is not a substitute for consulting a healthcare professional.

Other resources

• Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) – Breastfeeding at Work: https://www.analesdepediatria.org/es-la-lactancia-materna-como-promover-articulo-resumen-13079817
• Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality – Breastfeeding: https://redets.sanidad.gob.es/documentos/GPCLactancia_Osteba.pdf
• Nuvola Mom: Breastfeeding cabins for companies: https://nuvolamom.com/