Breastfeeding in the Workplace: How You Can Create a Culture of Support

If you’ve ever been a breastfeeding parent, you know that breastfeeding isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. There can be problems with latching, nipple soreness, and the energy and attention it requires of the mother. Many families also face a number of social and systemic challenges when it comes to breastfeeding and lactation, such as stigmatization, lack of parental leave from work, and minimal workplace accommodations. 

“Lactation sustainability really starts with the support systems we build,” explained Caroline Carter, Manager of the Lactation Accommodation Program within UC San Francisco’s Family Services department. 

“The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, then continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for 2 years or longer,” she said. “But meeting these goals can be incredibly difficult without access to things like private pumping spaces, flexible schedules, and paid leave."

This is why every August, the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee and its partners recognize National Breastfeeding Month, both to celebrate nursing parents and also to expand the conversation about the real-world conditions that shape breastfeeding success. 

We spoke with Carter, and Kristina Chamberlain, a certified nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, and lactation consultant who teaches in the Lactation Education Programs at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, to learn more about National Breastfeeding Month, the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding, and what we can all do to make a difference. 

Why Breastfeeding Matters—For Everyone

Breastfeeding is often framed as a personal parenting choice, but it's much more than that. "Human milk is optimal nutrition for human babies," said Chamberlain. "It's species-specific. Whale milk is perfect for whale babies, and human milk is perfect for human babies."

That biological specificity matters. Unlike formula, human breast milk is dynamic and adaptive, designed to meet a baby's changing needs in real time. 

"If I'm sick and I'm nursing my baby, my milk will contain antibodies for my illness that transfer to the baby," explained Chamberlain. "This natural immunization process gives children protection against future illness."

Those health benefits of breastfeeding are significant. Breastfed infants are less likely to suffer from ear infections, asthma, and allergies. They also face reduced risks of childhood obesity and diabetes. 

The benefits transfer to the mothers, too. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of premenopausal breast and ovarian cancer and lowers the incidence of postpartum mood disorders Breastfeeding supports both short-term health and long-term resilience. 

But as Chamberlain and Carter both made clear, realizing these benefits requires more than biology—it requires a culture that values and sustains them.
















Kristina Chamberlain, CNM, ARNP, IBCLC, PMH-C, Clinical Director and Lead Faculty, UC San Diego Lactation Program
 

Breaking the Stigma: Normalizing Breastfeeding at Work

Despite growing awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, many gaps remain in how society supports breastfeeding parents throughout their journey. A common dropping-off point is when maternity leave ends and the mother returns to work. 

"There's still some stigma in the U.S. around breastfeeding, especially in the workplace," said Carter. "Many feel an unspoken pressure to stop expressing milk when leave ends, as if their job should be their only focus. But in reality, expressing milk keeps their baby fed, healthy, and connected to their parent. It deserves to be respected, supported, and normalized."

To address the stigmatization, Carter advocates for building more visible and well-resourced support systems in the workplace and beyond.

"Having a supportive workplace sends the message to lactating parents that they're not alone, they are valued employees, and that it's possible to continue their lactation journey and career growth without sacrificing either work or family," said Carter.

Carter and Chamberlain both emphasized that supporting breastfeeding isn't just about compassion; it's about public health, family resilience, and smart institutional planning. 

"A healthier baby means the parent misses fewer days of work," Chamberlain said. "They're more productive, less likely to quit their job, and their employer saves on attrition costs."

These benefits of breastfeeding scale as well. When breastfeeding is supported across society through longer paid leave, pumping accommodations, and more flexible schedules, it results in fewer sick babies, fewer hospital visits, and lower costs to the healthcare system.

"It's an investment in the long-term health of both the mother and baby," Chamberlain said. "And that takes the burden off our healthcare system over the long term."

"Human milk provides babies with vital nutrition that reduces the risk of illness and chronic disease for both the breastfeeding person and the child, which also lowers long-term healthcare costs,” Carter explained. "It's a win for everyone."
















Caroline Carter, IBCLC, Lactation Accommodation Program Manager, UC San Francisco Family Services
 

Breastfeeding Belongs in Healthcare—Not on the Chopping Block

Another vital part of breastfeeding sustainability is ensuring that lactation support is fully integrated within the healthcare system. Yet today's culture often places the burden of breastfeeding squarely on the individual, while denying them the tools to succeed.

"Many people assume breastfeeding 'just happens,' but that's not always the case," said Chamberlain. ” It's a learned behavior for both parent and baby, and sometimes they need help." 

Having lactation consultants on staff and available at maternity hospitals and through insurance programs is a crucial way to provide valuable support to new families that might otherwise struggle with lactation. 

Another important way to support nursing families is through more comprehensive lactation support programs within hospitals, such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. The program outlines ten steps to support breastfeeding success for new families, such as educating hospital staff, avoiding formula use early in the baby's life, and keeping babies with their parents after birth. Hospitals that adopt these steps have seen higher breastfeeding success rates amongst their patients and overall healthier children.

The problem is that when hospitals or systems need to cut costs, lactation programs are often the first to go. 

"After COVID, we saw a lot of lactation departments eliminated," said Chamberlain. "Even in hospitals, lactation support is not always treated as essential—even though it absolutely is."

Chamberlain also notes the need to tackle racial and economic disparities head-on, including through the expansion of access, but also increased education of lactation consultants in different populations. "There are fewer working lactation consultants from Black, Indigenous, or Latino communities," Chamberlain said. “We're working to increase representation so people can find someone who looks like them, comes from their community, and understands their life context."

A Call to Reframe the Narrative

Ultimately, Carter and Chamberlain both want to see breastfeeding reframed, away from being seen as a parenting or lifestyle preference, and more as a foundational component of public health.

"It's about building a culture where parents are supported, babies are healthy, and communities thrive," said Chamberlain.

For those looking to get involved, Chamberlain and Carter shared many ways to contribute and emphasized that supporting a more breastfeeding-friendly culture doesn't require being a parent or a healthcare worker.

"Attend a local event during National Breastfeeding Month," Chamberlain suggested. "Look for a health fair or a community 'latch-in' where families gather in public spaces to nurse at the same time as a show of solidarity."

If you're an employer, you can review your parental leave policies and make sure nursing parents have the support they need to succeed. If you're a healthcare provider, both Chamberlain and Carter advise taking a course to deepen your understanding of lactation support and see what you can do to improve care. If you're a friend, coworker, or neighbor, offer encouragement, not judgment.

"Advocacy begins with awareness, and it grows through action," said Chamberlain.

From Policy to Partnership: Building a Culture of Support

When it comes to expanding breastfeeding-friendly work environments, Carter has two primary suggestions: build a coalition and start by listening. "Even just putting up a flyer in a lactation room asking people to fill out an anonymous form can spark a working group," she said. "Small steps like this can set the stage for driving change."

She explained that building change requires collaboration and initiative. 

"Finding your partners in the workplace is important," she said. "You need your coalition. Facilities Services and the Women's Health Resources Center were our first two partners at UCSF."

She uses her own experience at UC San Francisco as an example. Through her position at UC San Francisco, Carter worked to build a web of cross-departmental partnerships to create a lasting infrastructure of support. The partnerships included working with Facilities, Real Estate, Committees, faculty from School of Nursing, School of Medicine, Human Resources, and more. 

Over time, more people wanted to be a part of the change. This led to the formation of the Lactation Accommodation Advisory Group, a 30-member coalition of pumping employees and advocates. "We meet quarterly to identify problems and create solutions," she said. "It's a working group, not just a talking group. And it's making a real impact."

With more than 100 lactation rooms on campus, as well as monthly workshops, pumping supplies, and personalized guidance, the UC San Francisco model is an example of what comprehensive, sustainable support can look like.

A Brighter Future Starts Now

While national change may be slow, progress is happening. 

"Every time we make the workplace a little more supportive to lactating parents, we're changing the story of the future," said Carter. “We're making it more normal. More possible. More human."

Whether you're a healthcare provider, an employer, a policymaker, or simply someone who cares, you can help create a culture of support. UC San Diego Extended Studies offers training programs for aspiring lactation consultants, lactation counselors, healthcare professionals, and advocates. These courses help participants deepen their knowledge, expand their skills, and contribute to healthier families and communities.

"We have courses for people at all levels—from healthcare professionals to those just starting out in a new career," said Chamberlain. "If you're interested in becoming a certified lactation consultant or counselor, we have a path for you."

To learn more about available programs, please visit the Lactation Education programs page on the Division of Extended Studies website.