Copyright 2007-08 Carla Moquin

Benefits for Families (p. 5)

Babies in the Workplace

Parents Learn from Coworkers

Bringing their babies to work gives parents the opportunity to ask parenting questions of their coworkers when issues come up with their babies.  It also gives parents the opportunity to learn new methods of holding and interacting with their own babies by watching their coworkers' interactions with the children, which leads to overall better parenting.

Social Network for Parents

Being alone at home with a new baby can be incredibly isolating and lonely for many new parents.  For most of human history, the norm was actually for new parents to be out in society and for other community members to play an active part in supporting the new parents and helping with baby care.  Workplace programs replicate this social support network and distribute the work of parenting among many people (who also bond with the babies and feel invested in the babies' welfare).

Lower Risk of Postpartum Depression

Good social support is frequently given as a source of happiness after the birth of a baby, and isolation or loneliness is frequently cited as a cause of depression or sadness during this time.  The social network of the workplace (and advice and direct assistance with baby care) can greatly diminish the risk of a mother suffering from depression after her baby's birth.