MISSISSIPPI WINS
CHAMPS has launched a special initiative to support Mississippi businesses with implementing lactation policies and support. Mississippi WINS (Workplaces Improving Nursing Support) will initially target businesses in Jackson, East Biloxi, and Sunflower County, but ALL businesses can benefit from the resources that will be developed. Mississippi WINS is a 2 year project of MS CHAMPS, sponsored by Kellogg.
Contact us if you want more information, if you need assistance with establishing a policy, or if you want creative ideas for solutions in your work setting.
We’d love to feature YOUR business as a model worksite! Contact us to tell us about your business!
NEW MS WINS TOOLKIT
Mississippi families are breastfeeding! Today, 7 out of 10 Mississippi parents breastfeed their babies. Many want to continue after they return to work. Employer support with simple lactation accommodations can make all the difference. It’s also required by law. Best of all, it’s not hard to do and it can bring positive financial benefits to your business. Even if you already provide basic support, you can easily upgrade it to bring about even more positive benefits!
The following CHEER resources provide simple, practical ideas that you can use NOW!
Employer Guide
Tip Sheets
General – View & Download
Education – View & Download
Healthcare – View & Download
Manufacturing – View & Download
Restaurants – View & Download
Retail – View & Download
Business Resources
Mp4 Webinar Recording – for Business Employers
Webinar Handout – for Business Employers
Resources for Breastfeeding Advocates
Hospital Employee Lactation Support: A Model for the Workplace Booklet
Sample Hospital Lactation Policy
Webinar Recording – For Hospital Human Resource Directors and Lactation Leads
OTHER WORKPLACE SUPPORT RESOURCES
Breastfeeding employees have the right to lactation accommodations in the workplace. Federal law housed in Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1937, as well as many state laws, require employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space to express milk.
Implementing lactation accommodations is not usually difficult, and solutions abound! Check out these resources for employers, pregnant and breastfeeding employees, and breastfeeding advocates below:
Resources for Employers
For Employers
Employers who provide simple lactation accommodations can enjoy a 3:1 Return on Investment through lower healthcare costs, lower absenteeism rates, higher retention, and increased productivity and loyalty. Lactation support is also required by federal and many state laws. These free resources can help you learn easy ways to support your employees.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has numerous tools for guidance. Access the language to the Federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers provision housed in Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. The DOL Fact Sheet #73 answers common questions from employers about the federal law.
Federal law requires employers to adhere to state laws if they provide greater protection than the FLSA provisions. The National Conference of State Legislatures maintains an updated list of state regulations on breastfeeding support. Check with your state breastfeeding coalition to learn more about solutions of businesses in your state.
Safe Lactation Spaces During COVID-19
- Considerations for Safe Worksite Lactation Spaces During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Your COVID-19 Workplace Rights: Breastfeeding and Lactation (co-branded document with CHEER, USBC affiliated Workplace Support Constellation, and Center for WorkLife Law.
- Centers for Disease Control’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
More information about ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
Supporting Nursing Moms at Work
Cost-effective tips and solutions from the HHS Office on Women’s Health that can work in any industry setting. Be sure to check out the industry-specific videos to hear from HR directors and supervisors how they made it work.
Business Case for Breastfeeding
Resources for managers and staff involved in implementing worksite lactation support initiatives. Produced by the HHS Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
Native Workplace Breastfeeding Resources
Breastfeeding: Following Tradition Works for Working Women
The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan toolkit was created to “(1) Increase understanding of the benefits of workplace policies and practices that support breastfeeding. (2) Create and distribute a breastfeeding support toolkit to all Tribes with the hopes that each Tribe will adopt their own policy.”
The updated Indian Health Service (IHS) policy provides revised guidance for managers and supervisors in recognition of the documented health advantages of breastfeeding for infants and mothers and the benefits to the employers.
Free Pre-Recorded Webinars
MORE Great Solutions!
Check out these free helpful toolkits and industry-specific solutions:
For Pregnant and Breastfeeding Employees
You CAN breastfeed, even if you plan to go to work after your baby is born. Depending on your job classification, you may have a legal right to reasonable break time and private space that is not a bathroom to express your milk while you are at work. If you are eligible for overtime pay (regardless of whether you work full-time or part-time) the Federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers law may protect you!
Many state laws also require employers to accommodate all breastfeeding employees, regardless of their job classification. Find out your rights in your state!
Quick Guide to Resources
Learn how to get breastfeeding off to a great start and plan for your return to work from the HHS Office on Women’s Health.
Call National Women’s Health and Breastfeeding Helpline for answers to your breastfeeding questions.
The United States Breastfeeding Committee has answers to your questions about breastfeeding and Workplace Support in Federal Law.
Talk to Your Employer About Pumping at Work
Tips from WIC Breastfeeding Support on how to talk with your supervisor about pumping milk at work.
Talking to Your Boss About Your Pump
Click on the link for your state at A Better Balance to learn all of your legal rights as a breastfeeding employee.
Free Answers to Your Legal Questions about breastfeeding at work!
- Center for Work Life Law – https://www.worklifelaw.org/
- Free Legal Hotline: (415) 703-8276
- Free Legal Hotline Email: hotline@worklifelaw.org
Call (913) 551-5721 to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division.
Your COVID-19 Workplace Rights: Breastfeeding and Lactation
Learn your rights to express milk at work during the pandemic with this document by the Center for Work Life Law, the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee, and co-branded with the Center for Health Equity, Education, and Research.
How to Keep Your Breast Pump Kit Clean
Keep your breast pump and tubing parts clean by following these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk
The CDC also has guidelines for how to store and handle your expressed breastmilk.
Click on the “For Employees” tab to view an Employee Guide, the Lactation and Work Plan to share with your supervisor, and the Return to Work Checklist to help you get organized.
There are solutions for expressing milk in every industry! Check out the resources for employers and employees to learn how to make your return to work easier.
Breastfeeding and Going Back to Work: employee resources for planning ahead for your return to work
Does YOUR Mississippi employer support you with breastfeeding? We want to know!
Your employer could be featured in our new Mississippi WINS resources and website!
For Advocates
Outreach Marketing Guide – HHS Health Resources and Service Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s Business Case for Breastfeeding…with template letters, lesson plans for back to work classes, and a breastfeeding and work plan.
Supporting Nursing Moms at Work PowerPoint® Platform – a comprehensive presentation package of slides and speaker notes created by Every Mother, Inc. for the HHS Office on Women’s Health. The platform and resources can be downloaded from the United States Breastfeeding Committee website. Video tutorials walk you through how to download and use the materials.
Outreach Guide – Ohio Workplace PLUS toolkit. Click the “For Breastfeeding Advocates” tab for up-to-date tips for how to plan and executive effective outreach with employers, Outreach Checklist, approaching local business organizations, and sample email language.
Free Pre-Recorded Webinars – Work Well NC and Every Mother, Inc.
- Assisting and Empowering New Mothers
- Engaging and Assisting Employers
Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite – contains numerous resources for encouraging breastfeeding-friendly worksites.
