Breastfeeding-Friendly Business Award 2004 Winners

Maternity Care Coalition salutes the 2004 winners:

CIGNA

The Working Well Moms Program started as a grassroots movement in 1995. To date more than 3,000 women have enrolled in the program, which is available at 250 sites throughout the US. Lactation consultations are offered to moms during pregnancy and a lactation consultant calls before the birth, after the birth, and every two weeks until the mom comes back to work, at which point calls are made monthly. Each mom has access to a private room and a hospital grade pump, refrigeration, and all supplies that are needed.

GlaxoSmithKline

Each year, GlaxoSmithKline employees give birth to 600-800 babies and another 600-800 employees become fathers. Onsite lactation has been available at GSK for more than 15 years. GSK currently has seven lactation rooms/suites at its facilities in the Philadelphia area, each of which has specific guidelines to ensure that all sites offer optimal support for mothers. GSK offers flexible work arrangements and employees are not required to take personal time to pump.

Office of Senator Connie Williams

Senator Connie Williams represents the 17th District in the Pennsylvania Senate and is a proud mother of two daughters. Senator Williams' staff writes: "Senator Williams values the skills and perspective women bring to the job and is willing to make allowences to help us balance work and family. When I interviewed for my job I was exclusively breastfeeding my daughter. When I asked her if it would be a problem, she said 'of course not, and please feel free to use my office when I'm not in.' Support of my family, friends, and employer is invaluable, and Senator Williams has certainly helped to make my experience a wonderful one."

Pennsylvania Hospital

Pennsylvania Hospital has a made a committment to support and encourage breastfeeding moms who are patients and those who are employees. The Hospital offers its patients a range of classes, lactation consultation, support to women in need, educational materials, a private family lounge, support groups, a warmline, lactation center, and breast pump rentals. All Women's Service employees are trained in breastfeeding support, and each unit is provided with reference books on taking medications while breastfeeding, and breastfeeding handouts in various languages. All Hospital employees are given an orientation to the Employee Pumping Lounge by a lactation consultant, discounts at the lactation center, and access to the warmline and support groups.

White Dog Cafe

For more than 20 years, the White Dog Cafe has been known for its socially conscious business practices and involvement in the local community. They have pioneered a blend of excellent food and activism. It comes as no surprise that the White Dog welcomes breastfeeding mothers with a warm attitude and a friendly message on the children's menu, "Breast Feeding Welcome!" The White Dog is also supportive of breastfeeding employees, permitting them to bring their baby to work to nurse or to leave to do so nearby.

Honorable Mention:

Health Partners

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals

Nominate a Breastfeeding-Friendly Business Near You

Because workplace support is critical to breastfeeding moms who are employed, it is important to recognize the efforts of employers who understand the importance of creating a breastfeeding friendly environment. Please let us know about breastfeeding friendly places of business in your community by writing to breastfeeding@momobile.org.