We are proud to share that PHFE WIC has been recognized by the California Breastfeeding Coalition for our long-standing and deeply impactful Employee Perinatal Support Program. This recognition is a meaningful milestone that affirms our commitment to fostering a workplace where breastfeeding is normalized, supported, and celebrated.
A Legacy of Support: Established in 1996
Launched in March 1996, our Perinatal Employee Support Program was built with one clear goal: to support the health and well-being of our employees and their families. Designed by and for employees, the program centers compassionate, evidence-based support for breastfeeding and perinatal care in the workplace.
Since its inception, the program has helped transform our organizational culture, making lactation support a core part of how we do business and how we care for our team.
Powerful Outcomes, Decades in the Making
While breastfeeding data was not tracked prior to the program’s launch, its early impact was undeniable: in 1996, 98% of participating employees initiated breastfeeding, and 80% were still nursing at six months. Many continued through the toddler years—a trend that remains strong today.
Our most recent data highlights just how effective this support continues to be:
- 100% of employees participating in the program initiated breastfeeding
- In 2023, 73% of the 22 babies born to employees were exclusively breastfed for a full year
- In 2024, 100% of the 17 babies born were exclusively breastfed for one year
- Breastfeeding continued to age two for 82% of children in 2023 and 64% in 2024
These outcomes reflect the sustained impact of a supportive, informed, and flexible workplace culture.
A Comprehensive and Compassionate Program
Our Employee Perinatal Support Program offers a robust suite of benefits designed to meet employees where they are in their parenting journey:
- Access to 27 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) to provide personalized breastfeeding support starting immediately after birth
- Paid time to pump, with private lactation rooms equipped with hospital-grade pumps and secure milk storage
- One paid pumping session per day from 12 to 24 months, in alignment with updated AAP guidelines for continued breastfeeding
- Flexible remote work options post-leave to ease the transition back to work
- Monthly prenatal and breastfeeding support groups, open to employees and their partners, to foster a sense of community and normalize lactation in the workplace
On average, employees pump two to three times per day during their child’s first year. This daily support—both practical and emotional—has helped employees consistently reach their breastfeeding goals, even in the face of broader societal and workplace challenges.
Leading with Equity, Empowering Families
At PHFE WIC, we believe that workplace wellness is inseparable from equity. Providing strong perinatal and lactation support is not just a benefit—it’s a responsibility. We are proud to lead by example and create an environment where employees can thrive as both professionals and parents.
We thank the California Breastfeeding Coalition for recognizing the impact of this work. Most of all, we thank our dedicated employees who continue to shape and strengthen this program with every child welcomed into the PHFE WIC family.
To learn more about our Perinatal Employee Support Program or to explore how your organization can create a breastfeeding-friendly workplace, contact us at comments@phfewic.org
