New Colorado Law Supports Nursing Mothers in
the Workplace -
Celebration Event Planned on Aug. 1 at the State Capitol
DENVER - The Workplace Accommodations for Nursing
Mothers Act will go into effect Aug. 7, making Colorado the 16th state
in the nation to pass legislation regarding breastfeeding support in the
workplace. This law will require Colorado employers to provide
reasonable break time; make reasonable efforts to provide suitable,
private space for mothers to express breastmilk at work; and not
discriminate against them for doing so.
To celebrate the law, the Colorado Breastfeeding
Coalition will host a Nursing Mothers at Work Celebration during
World Breastfeeding Week, on Friday, Aug. 1 from 9 to 11 a.m. at
the state Capitol building. Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien will speak,
and the coalition will recognize bill sponsors Rep. Andy Kerr
(D-Jefferson County) and Sen. Dan Gibbs (D-District 16).
Colorado families, especially nursing, working mothers, are
invited to attend this “bagel breakfast for breastfeeding”
event.
The primary goal of the law is to improve the
health of Colorado mothers and children by boosting
breastfeeding duration and exclusivity rates. According to
officials from the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment, a partner with the coalition, it is a win-win
proposition because employers also stand to benefit. Research
shows that companies who provide lactation support can realize
substantial advantages, including reduced health care costs;
reduced absenteeism; improved productivity and employee morale;
greater loyalty and retention (i.e., lower turnover); and
enhanced company image in the eyes of customers, potential
employees and the community at large.
Maya Bunik, chair of the Colorado Breastfeeding
Coalition, said, “Returning to paid work is one of the biggest
reasons mothers quit breastfeeding. We are delighted to help
remove this obstacle for Colorado moms. And, we’re ready to help
employers implement simple, inexpensive solutions to comply with
the law while positively impacting their bottom lines.
Bunik said the coalition will focus a good deal
of their energy reaching out to employers and mothers in
environments where workers have less autonomy and flexibility,
and facilities have limited space for designated lactation
areas. “It’s a matter of awareness, education and expert
assistance, and that’s where the coalition can help,” she said.
The Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition Web site,
www.coloradobreastfeeding.org, along with the Colorado
Department of Labor and Employment Web site,
www.coworkforce.com,
will be updated by Aug. 1 with a comprehensive section
specifically for employers. This will contain information and
resources to guide and enable companies of all sizes and
industries to accommodate nursing mothers.
Bunik said, “The Workplace Accommodations for
Nursing Mothers Act has been a long time coming, and we look
forward to celebrating on Aug. 1 with legislators, coalition
members, and most of all, Colorado families.”
Breastfeeding Week is an event celebrated around
the world each Aug. 1-7. The 2008 theme is “Mother Support:
Going for the Gold,” reflecting the international summer
Olympics.
“As each country sends its best athletes to
compete, we want to recognize that a healthy start in life
provides the essential foundation for health and well-being,
said Jennifer Dellaport, WIC Breastfeeding Promotion coordinator
of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
“Employers can boost child health in Colorado by supporting
nursing mothers when they return to work.”
For more information, the public may call
Dellaport at 303-692-2462.
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State of Colorado,
Department
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