In a groundbreaking move, Twitter is set to join IBM in offering a new service that allows breastfeeding mothers on business trips to ship their breast milk back home to their babies. This initiative is part of Twitter’s “Mommy Mentor” program, created to support new moms as they transition back into the workforce. Mothers will be able to send their milk using temperature-controlled packaging provided by FedEx, all at no charge.
IBM has already implemented this service as part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing female retention within the company. Despite a significant increase in female executives at IBM, with a 562 percent rise since 1995, only a small percentage of their employees are nursing moms. The program is specifically designed for women traveling for work, not those pumping at their regular office.
Voices from Leadership
Barbara Thompson, IBM’s vice president of employee benefits, mentioned, “We’re going to test this out to gauge interest among our female employees. If it helps them balance work and home life better, we’ll keep it going.” Similarly, Janet Lee, Twitter’s vice president of diversity and inclusion, highlighted that the initiative’s purpose is to create a positive impact, not to reach a wide audience.
While the percentage of women in both companies is relatively low—29 percent at IBM and 34 percent at Twitter—covering the shipping costs is unlikely to strain these large corporations. This gesture is expected to resonate with traveling new moms, many of whom face the difficult choice of pumping and dumping while away from their infants.
Additional Resources
As you dive into this topic, you might also want to check out this post on home insemination kits. For those seeking more information on fertility and pregnancy, resources like this one from Women’s Health can be invaluable. And if you’re exploring your own journey, consider visiting Make a Mom, the top provider of at-home insemination kits.
Conclusion
In summary, IBM and Twitter are taking significant strides to support traveling breastfeeding moms by offering a service that allows them to ship breast milk home. This thoughtful initiative not only aids in work-life balance but also fosters a more inclusive environment for working mothers.
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