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WorkWell NYC is here to support parents who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, and to make sure you know your rights and take advantage of the free resources available to you.
Exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of your child’s life benefits you and your infant. Even if you can’t breastfeed exclusively, breastfeed as much as possible for the greatest benefit.
- Builds your baby’s immune system, reducing the risk of ear and respiratory infections
- Promotes brain development
- Speeds up parent’s recovery from pregnancy and childbirth
- Promotes bonding with your baby
- Emblem Health members may receive coverage for the cost of renting or purchasing a breast pump, and for the Healthy Beginnings program, which provides assistance to expecting members who have experienced pregnancy-related complications or are managing other health conditions.
DID YOU KNOW?
New York State law requires employers to provide a private, non-bathroom location and reasonable time for employees to express or pump breast milk for their babies. Speak to your human resources representative to learn more.
Call the number on the back of your health insurance card to learn more.
*Employees with other coverage should contact their insurer, or visit nyc.gov/hbp for more information.
- Baby-Friendly designated maternity facilities are compliant with the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding, including helping parents breastfeed within one hour of birth and allowing parents and infants to remain together 24 hours a day. For a list of designated maternity facilities, visit the Baby-Friendly USA facility locator.
- The Mobile Milk Breastfeeding Campaign provides free breastfeeding tips and information via text messaging. To sign up, text "MILK" to 877877. Text messages are delivered between 28 weeks of pregnancy and 4 months after giving birth.
- Community lactation rooms are spaces available to the public for the purpose of expressing or pumping breast milk or feeding infants. They are available at many City agencies. Visit this website for a list of locations. You can also visit the LatchME website for breastfeeding-friendly locations and resources.
- The Making It Work Toolkit provides planning resources, such as sample pumping schedules, guidance for milk storage and advice for preparing your baby as you return to work or school.
Learn more about the Benefits of Breastfeeding here.