After initiating lactation programs many employers have seen positive results in the workplace such as lower absenteeism, high productivity, high company loyalty, high employee morale, and lower health care costs. Because an ill child is a frequent cause of absenteeism among employed mothers and fathers, worksite programs that aim to improve child health may also bring about a reduction in absenteeism. Mothers with a formula fed child missed a day's work because their children were ill three times more often than breastfed children.
Also, research has shown over and over again that human milk and breastfeeding of children provide advantages with regard to general health, growth, and development, while significantly decreasing the risk for a large number of acute and chronic diseases. This results in a significant reduction in health care costs.
Women with infants and toddlers are the fastest-growing segment of today's workforce. More than 50 percent of women who are working when they become pregnant return to work by the time their infant is only eight to 12 weeks old.
The Medical Legal Alliance at the University of New Mexico is a program within the UNM Law School Legal Clinic dedicated to "meeting the non-biological health care needs of children." The program furnishes legal representation to children/families where the health of the child is impacted by extenuating legal issues.
Victoria Elenes, who is the administrator of the program, said they are able to represent certain mothers who are adversely affected by employers who are not observing the law. The program does not pursue monetary awards, but can pursue court ordered legal enforcement. To be represented by the alliance a client's income must be under 2.5 times poverty level. They are able to represent residents throughout the state, but can suggest private counsel to persons who do not meet their guidelines.
If a mother-employee has been adversely affected by the law, she can call Victoria Elenes at 505-277-0903.
