Mini Case Study: Enhancing Nestlé's Maternal Support Policies with a Unique Doula Perspective
Introduction: This mini case study examines Nestlé's existing parental, maternal, and adoption policies in the United States, focusing on the potential implementation of a doula perspective checking policy. Nestlé is chosen as the subject due to its progressive stance on family support policies in the US.
Company Overview:
· Nestlé operates in over 120 locations across 47 states in the United States, employing more than 44,000 individuals.
· The company demonstrates its commitment to diversity, with 36% of its employees being women and 64% men.
· Nestlé is a publicly traded company, led by CEO Steven Wood Presley.
Location and Maternal Mortality:
· The majority of Nestlé employees are concentrated in Saint Louis, Missouri, where the company provides 70 jobs with an average salary of $44,097.
Maternal Mortality in Missouri:
· Missouri ranks 44th out of 50 states in terms of maternal mortality.
· A multi-year report published by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services revealed that 75% of pregnancy-related deaths in Missouri from 2017 to 2019 were categorized as preventable.
Recommendations for Nestlé: Considering Nestlé's commitment to progressive family support policies, there are potential opportunities for enhancing maternal care and support for female employees:
1. Stipend for Birth Doula Services: Nestlé could consider offering a stipend to all female employees to cover the cost of hiring a birth doula. Birth doulas provide emotional and physical support to expectant mothers during labor and childbirth, contributing to a more positive birthing experience.
2. Promotion of Midwifery Care: Nestlé can provide information about midwifery care to its employees. As the state of Missouri is pushing for Bill HB 900, which aims to provide insurance coverage for midwives and doulas, Nestlé can encourage its female employees to explore these options for comprehensive maternal care.
Conclusion: This mini case study highlights Nestlé's opportunity to further enhance its support for female employees during the maternal journey. By implementing a doula perspective checking policy and promoting midwifery care, Nestlé can align its policies with the evolving landscape of maternal healthcare. It's worth noting that these considerations can benefit companies of all sizes, emphasizing the importance of examining and improving maternal support policies in the workplace.
