Doing a baby's body good: workplaces are making it easier for nursing mothers.

• Author: Cada, Chryss

For Ninali Sanchez, the ability to continue breast-feeding her baby when she returned to work was a must.

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"It was difficult enough for me to return to work after maternity leave--I don't think I could have done it if I couldn't continue feeding my son," said Sanchez, who works in the admissions office of the University of Colorado's School of Nursing.

Sanchez's employer is one of a growing number of workplaces supporting new moms by providing them with the time and place to collect breast milk while at work.

A survey of breast-feeding and Colorado businesses showed a dramatic increase in the number of businesses making accommodations for nursing mothers in 2006, according to Karen Cox, a program coordinator at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The Health Department, which has conducted the survey since 2003, issues awards to respondents who have made accommodations for nursing moms. Out of 1,000 businesses surveyed last year, 83 companies received awards.

"I think we have a long way to go to make our case to businesses that it is good business practice to support moms in the workplace," Cox said. "It (breast-feeding) results in healthier moms and babies, increased worker productivity, decreased absenteeism, decreased employee turnover, increased job satisfaction and ultimately, cost-savings for the employer."

University Hospital, Sanchez's employer, received one of only two "gold awards." To receive this honor a business must provide a separate room designated for breast-feeding women, a pump, a sink and a small refrigerator to store the milk. The employer also must have a formal written policy regarding breast-feeding; allow two breaks and a lunch period during the day for pumping and/or access to the infant.

"Breast milk is produced on a supply and demand basis," says Candis Matejka of University of Colorado Hospital's Lactation Support services. "If a mom isn't with her baby during the day she still has to express milk every time the baby eats. If she doesn't express milk at work, her milk supply will diminish, and she won't be able to produce enough for her baby."

The list of benefits for breast-fed babies includes everything from a raised IQ to a stronger immune system to less obesity later in life. Mom's benefits include a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

"What will be of most interest to employers is that a mom who is breast-feeding has a much lower chance of having a sick...