Page 89 - May 2018 - December 2018 Issue

Supporting

Breastfeeding

at Work

By Erica San Diego, Human Resources
and Administration

Based on REPUBLIC ACT No. 7600 or “The Rooming In and Breast Feeding
Act of 1992” the state adopts rooming-in as a national policy to encourage,
protect and support the breastfeeding in the workplace. It shall create an
environment where basic physical, emotional, and psychological needs of
mothers and infants are fulfilled through the practice of rooming-in and
breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding has distinct advantages which benefit the infant and the
mother, including the hospital and the country that adopt its practice. It is
the first preventive health measure that can be given to the child at birth. It
also enhances mother-infant relationship. Furthermore, the practice of
breastfeeding could save the country valuable foreign exchange that may
otherwise be used for milk importation.

Breastmilk is the best food since it contains essential nutrients completely
suitable for the infant’s needs. It is also nature’s first immunization,
enabling the infant to fight potential serious infection. It contains growth
factors that enhance the maturation of an infant’s organ systems.

Towards this end, the State shall promote and encourage breastfeeding
and provide the specific measures that would present opportunities for
mothers to continue expressing their milk and/or breastfeeding their infant
or young child.

Lactation Stations must have a complete equipment and facilities such as
refrigerator for storing of breastmilk, electrical outlets for breast pumps,
comfortable seats and tables and lavatory for hand washing. It should not
be located also in the toilet area.

Breastfeeding moms are also entitled to compensable breaks. These can be
negotiated between the breastfeeding employee and her superior. It is
expected that all employees will assist in providing a positive atmosphere of
support for breastfeeding employees.

BENEFITS | 88