(1) BREASTFED BABIES = HEALTHY BABIES 
If you weren't already aware of the numerous health benefits to breastfed infants, consider the following endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics: 

…research shows that human milk and breastsfeeding of infants provide advantages with regard to general health, growth, and development, while significantly decreasing risk for a large number of acute and chronic diseases... 

…Research …provides strong evidence that human milk feeding decreases the incidence and/or severity of diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, ear infections, urinary tract infections, invasive bacterial infections, and pneumonia… 

…There are a number of studies that show a possible protective effect of human milk feeding against sudden infant death syndrome, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, childhood cancer, allergic diseases, asthma and other chronic digestive diseases. 

American Academy of Pediatrics - Policy Statement Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk (RE9729) (December 1997, Volume 100, No. 6)

(2) HEALTHY BABIES = DECREASED MEDICAL $$$'s and REDUCED ABSENTEEISM 
Research studies emphasizing the link between breastfed babies and decreased medical expenses as well as reduced employee absenteeism have concluded that…. 

If an infant is exclusively breastfed for at least 3 months, a conservative estimate of $331-$475 per infant will be saved because of reduced illness and, in turn, fewer health care expenses in the first year of life. 

Ball TM, Wright AL Health Care Costs of Formula-Feeding… Pediatrics. 1999; 103:S870-S876

 …if working mothers breastfeed their infants for 100 work days,41% of infants never get sick in their first year of life compared to10% of formula-fed infants whose mothers experience more than twice as much absenteeism as do the breastfeeding mothers in the first year of the infant's life. 

Cohen R, Mrtek MB, Mrtek RG Comparison of Maternal Absenteeism and Infant Illness Rates… Am J Health Promotion 1995; 10: 148-153 

A study of Working Well Moms, CIGNA's corporate lactation program for employees who breastfeed, revealed a savings of $240 thousand annually in health care expenses for breastfeeding mothers and their children. In addition, a savings of $60 thousand annually is realized through reduced absenteeism among breast- feeding mothers at CIGNA. The study also found that pharmacy costs for breastfed children are lower, because they require 62 percent fewer prescriptions. 

CIGNA Press Release 

In addition to a reduced risk of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer, there are any number of possible health benefits for mothers who breastfeed their babies. For a complete listing of those benefits, click here : 

Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Mother

(3) CORPORATE LACTATION PROGRAMS = GOOD HEALTH POLICY & GOOD BUSINESS 
Besides attracting and keeping employees, supportive work environments enhance productivity, increase retention and boost morale. More reasons why Corporate Lactation programs make good business sense. 

"CIGNA is a business of caring and we are very proud of our corporate lactation program. Our employees are able to continue nursing longer and mom and baby are healthier as a result," said Catherine L. Hawkes, Assistant Vice President of Employee Health and Work/Life Programs at CIGNA Corporation. "From the top down, we believe that offering employees benefits like our Working Well Moms corporate lactation program, helps the company attract and retain the best people." 

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUCCESSFUL LACTATION PROGRAM?
Studies measuring the effects of a Corporate Lactation Program on reduced maternal absenteeism and lowered health care costs, (see Rona Cohen Research Articles), were based upon outreach programs that provided: 

Person-to-person support (Lactation Consultant to mother) prenatally and as needed during a mother's maternity leave and return to work.

A safe and comfortable environment / lactation room where a mother can go to express milk periodically during lunch or breaks. 

Breastfeeding Equipment and Supplies