New Chatham House report underscores global importance of breast milk

Up to $850 billion lost every year — that is the economic impact of malnutrition on the private sector according to the research study recently released by Chatham House and Vivid Economics. As a research-based company with a strong foothold in nutrition, Medela was excited to co-sponsor this study on the role companies play in the fight against malnutrition worldwide. Unsurprisingly, the research confirms that empowering mothers to breastfeed for as long as they choose is invaluable to enhancing mother and baby health through the life-giving benefits of breast milk.

Thanks to its unique qualities, breast milk helps the newborn to fight infections and prevents stunting in childhood that can reduce lifelong earning by up to 9%. It can have a positive impact on long-term health by reducing risks of certain cancers, diabetes and obesity. This is why researchers included breastfeeding as one key measure necessary to improve overall nutrition. In fact, the report specifically calls on companies to promote a supportive work environment for breastfeeding mothers through parental leave benefits, dedicated spaces and time allowances for breastfeeding and pumping.

As the leading advocate and partner for mother’s milk, Medela is dedicated to improving the opportunities available to mothers in the workplace. Medela has made it a goal to support new mothers in their journey and play an active role in helping mums return to work while allowing for a good work-life balance, equally for customers and employees.

Through programmes like New Moms’ Healthy Returns that offer employers solutions to support their breastfeeding employees in the workplace, mums can successfully transition back to work after baby without impacting their breastfeeding goals. Building on the company’s support of motherhood in the workplace, Medela has recently expanded its paid leave benefits to 16 weeks fully paid parental leave to support all Medela US employees. This expansion is part of the Medela Cares initiative and aligns with the scientific insight of maternal and infant bonding time.

Learn more about the report and Medela’s commitment to make a difference on a global scale.