New moms, who are Cooper University Hospital employees, will now have a new comfortable and safe environment to pump milk after returning to work from maternity leave. In its continued efforts to join the global Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, Cooper has created a Lactation Lounge where employees can continue a breastfeeding routine that works for them and their babies.
On Thursday, November 10, 2011, members of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services joined Cooper representatives in celebrating this important employee focused initiative during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Hospital.
“Nursing mothers often face challenges when returning to work, but a supportive work environment can help them continue to successfully breastfeed,” said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd. “I applaud Cooper University Hospital for providing employees with their own designated lounge so they can continue to breastfeed. Employers that provide lactation support often see lower absenteeism rates, reduced turnover of employees, and lower medical costs, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.”
Conveniently located just outside the maternity unit of the hospital, the Lounge has coded door entry to ensure employee’s privacy, and features two, curtained pumping stations complete with Ameda electric pumps. The Lounge also features comfortable rocking chairs with foot rests, an information station with health and parenting brochures; and an ambient-noise fountain to create a peaceful, private environment.
The Lounge was made possible through the Cooper Care’s Grant, provided by the Cooper Foundation. This grant is funded through employee donations to the Foundation.
“Part of our mission at Cooper is to ensure our employees have the resources they need in order to provide the highest quality of care to our patients,” said Douglas Allen, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Cooper. “Through the Lactation Lounge, as well as other initiatives to enhance the workplace, Cooper is taking the lead in employee health and wellness by becoming a model for other institutions.”
The Lounge is a part of Cooper’s Employee Lactation Support (CELS) program, providing mothers with the information, confidence and skills they need to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies. Cooper’s employees are an integral part of the program’s success.