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Creating a breastfeeding friendly workplace

Supporting mothers to breastfeed at work pays off for businesses.

Women who can breastfeed or express milk at work are more likely to come back to work earlier. They're also likely to be happier and more productive, with lower rates of sick days.


Knowing they have your support to do the best they can for their child also means you're more likely to retain a skilled, experienced and loyal team member.


That saves you recruitment and retraining costs, enhances your company's reputation as a good employer, and helps you meet the legal requirements around breastfeeding.


Breastfeeding at work and the law

Employers have some legal obligations to support mothers who want to breastfeed or express milk at work.


As much as is reasonable and practicable employers must:

  • provide appropriate facilities in the workplace for an employee who wants to breastfeed or express at work, which generally means a private space with somewhere to sit comfortably, access to a fridge to store milk, and perhaps a power outlet for an electric pump

  • allow breaks during work hours so the employee can breastfeed or express – these breaks are unpaid unless the employer and employee agree they can be paid and are taken in addition to paid rest and meal breaks.


See the links below for more help to become a breastfeeding friendly employer,



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