FEATURE/At-Work Breastfeeding Programs Common Among '100 Best Companies for Working Mothers;' Working Mother Media CEO Reports on Link at LifeCare's Workplace Breastfeeding Forum.

Business Editors

FEATURE...

WESTPORT, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2002

Ninety-nine percent of the "100 Best" companies distinguished last week by Working Mother magazine have a workplace lactation program, compared to 19 percent of all companies nationwide, according to Carol Evans, CEO, Working Mother Media.

Evans revealed the statistic last week at a workplace breastfeeding forum in New York City where she was a keynote speaker. LifeCare(R), Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive work and life employee benefits services, sponsored the forum.

Evans was joined by Minna Elias, New York Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.), and Carol Ann Friedman, R.N., IBCLC, Director for LifeCare's Mothers at Work(R) program. The three came together to educate and enlighten area employers on workplace breastfeeding.

"Companies with workplace breastfeeding programs and other work-life programs are way ahead of others in terms of meeting the needs of today's working mother," said Evans. Since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed for 12 months, more and more women are facing the challenge of combining nursing and working. In fact, working is the number one barrier to a successful breastfeeding experience. But that is changing as more companies are implementing programs to support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace.

Friedman reported on the health benefits of breastfeeding; the significant amount of money companies with lactation programs save, and elements of successful workplace breastfeeding programs. "By helping employees reach their breastfeeding goals, employers lower health care costs, ease the employee's transition back to work, lower absenteeism and increase workplace productivity, recruitment and retention," said Friedman.

Components of a workplace breastfeeding program include:(a)

-- Private place with electrical outlet, sink and mirror

-- Door that locks

-- Comfortable chair; footstool

-- Table

-- Best-in-class breastpump

-- Refrigerator for storing pumped milk

-- 24/7 access to board certified lactation consultants

-- Prenatal breastfeeding education and onsite breastfeeding classes

-- Manager training

(a) Source: LifeCare, Inc.

Elias discussed advances on the federal level, including legislation passed by Congresswoman Maloney to ensure a woman's right to breastfeed her child on federal property and to spend more money on breastfeeding promotion and support through the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) nutrition program. Elias also described Maloney's pending bill, the Breastfeeding Promotion Act (HR 285), which amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect breastfeeding, enacts performance standards for breast pumps, provides tax incentives for businesses that establish private lactation areas in the workplace, and allows breastfeeding equipment to be tax deductible for families.

"Congresswoman Maloney hears from moms all the time who would like to breastfeed, but face some really tough obstacles both at work and in public settings," said Elias. "This has to change. Creating more family friendly work environments so that women can express and store breast milk while on the job is a positive first step. LifeCare plays an important role in helping employers do this for women."

Several states, including Calif., Conn., Fla., Ga., Hawaii, Ill., Maine, Minn., Tenn., Texas, Wash. have enacted workplace breastfeeding laws and others, including Ind., Ky., N.Y., R.I., Wis. have pending legislation.

Nearly 100 individuals representing dozens of employers in N.Y., N.J. and Conn. attended the forum. LifeCare intends to hold additional workplace breastfeeding forums throughout the U.S.

Through its "100 Best" list, Working Mother magazine recognizes each year those companies that offer best-in-class work-life benefits for working mothers.

About LifeCare(R), Inc.

LifeCare, Inc. is a human services organization specializing in Life Event Management(SM), including Mothers at Work(R), the world's leading workplace breastfeeding program. With more than 18 years of experience in delivering highly personalized resource and referral services through the use of innovative technology, LifeCare helps employees manage the day-to-day challenges of their lives and the lives of their families. In turn, LifeCare helps employers invest in the productivity, recruitment, retention and workplace commitment of their employees. LifeCare currently serves nearly 2,000 client companies and 5.6 million employees. www.lifecare.com.

Recipient of 2002 Connecticut Quality Improvement Award