The first few weeks with a new baby are so precious - and also SO DARN HARD. For mom, it’s a time of healing as well as a whole new beginning. Life becomes about getting to know rhythms, establishing routines, and building a relationship with someone who has lived inside of you for a whole nine months. The “fourth trimester”, as we call it, is one of extremes - complete exhaustion matched only by utter adoration for this new tiny human being that has now completely taken over your life.

But then, for so many mommas, that precious “getting to know you” time is cut suddenly short. In the U.S., while some private companies and a few - make that six - individual states do grant parents some kind of leave package, 50% of moms surveyed find themselves going back to the office far earlier than they are ready. 

Couple that with 62% of mothers in the workforce with children under the age of three, and you can see that the potential influence of the workplace environment on breastfeeding initiation and duration is substantial.

So that’s what we are going to talk a little bit about today. 

My guest for this week’s podcast is Debi Yadegari, Founder and CEO of Villyge, an employer-paid benefit that connects employees one-on-one with career coaches, parenting experts, and healthcare specialists. Villyge also works with employers to shape corporate culture and create parent-friendly workplaces that encourage retention, expand the talent pool and increase diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We hope you enjoy this week's show!