Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Coalition honors Hampden Medical Center’s Lactation Support Program

The Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Coalition recently recognized Hampden Medical Center for establishing its Lactation Support Program.

Hampden Medical Center’s program supports breastfeeding/chest-feeding and an environment of wellness for staff and students as they transition back to work or studies after giving birth. The new facility hosts five mother’s lounges that provide breastfeeding people, including visitors, with a private space to express milk.

In addition, the Human Resources Department promotes the Lactation Support Policy during new employee orientation and provides flexibility for work arrangements and direct breastfeeding when possible.

“Returning to work after maternity leave can be difficult,” said Jessica Harter, a nurse in Inpatient Women’s Health. “I am grateful to work in a hospital that offers resources to help me continue providing the best nutrition to my baby.”

When onboarding new employees, leaders use the Lactation Support Accommodation Request Form to encourage early conversations with supervisors about space to pump, break time and milk storage. This process alleviates employees’ concerns so they can plan ahead and choose human milk feeding prior to the birth of their child.

“We were intentional in extending lactation support services beyond our Women and Babies Center to employees and visitors,” said Kathryn Lally, lactation program manager for Hampden Medical Center. “Our goal is to create a culture that promotes family and well-being and gives people the resources for important work-life balance.”

The Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Coalition works to protect, promote and support breastfeeding as the cultural norm for infant feeding in Pennsylvania.

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