DOLE wants breastfeeding stations in more workplaces

As part of its efforts to support the “modern Filipino working woman,” the Department of Labor and Employment on Tuesday pushed for breastfeeding stations in more workplaces.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said her agency will implement “more seriously” Republic Act 10028, the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act, as she said breastfeeding boosts morale and does not hinder productivity.

“Breast-feeding is not detrimental to productivity requirements of working mothers; rather, it is the opposite. Breast-feeding boosts morale,” she said, citing research that showed working mothers who have access to lactation facilities tend to be more productive.

This is because they feel less guilty about their ability to provide one of the essential needs of their babies, the DOLE said in a news release.

Besides, Baldoz said, breastfed babies are inclined to be more active and healthy, with better immunse systems.

Adequate facilities

The DOLE cited provisions in the law that require lactation stations to have adequate equipment and facilities, such as:

– a lavatory;
– a refrigeration or cooling station for storing breastmilk;
– electrical outlets for breast pumps; and
– a table and comfortable seats.

Under the law, nursing mother-employees shall also be granted break intervals to breastfeed, aside from their regular time off for meals.

Recently, the DOLE held an orientation on the subject, touching on workplace policy on lactation, workplace compliance with the Milk Code, and access to breast-feeding information.

The DOLE said the establishment of workplace lactation stations is part of its Family Welfare Program, with the other components including:

– reproductive health/responsible parenthood
– education/gender equality
– spirituality and value formation
– income generation
– livelihood and cooperative
– medical health care
– nutrition
– environmental protection
– hygiene and sanitation
– sports and leisure
– housing
– transportation. — BM, GMA News