Breastfeeding at Work - Sample
Policy Wording

Supporting breastfeeding through workplace maternity policies is not only a matter of health and wellbeing—it’s a commitment to equity, inclusion, and employee retention. Breastfeeding offers significant health benefits for both infants and mothers, including improved immunity, reduced risk of chronic conditions, and enhanced bonding. However, returning to work can be a major barrier for many parents who wish to continue breastfeeding.

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Employers can show their commitment to supporting breastfeeding by clearly outlining breastfeeding provisions within their maternity and parental leave policies.

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By explicitly including breastfeeding support in maternity policies, employers demonstrate a proactive approach to:

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• Health Promotion: Encouraging breastfeeding aligns with public health guidance and contributes to healthier families and communities.

• Workplace Equity: Providing dedicated spaces and time for breastfeeding or expressing milk ensures that all employees—regardless of gender or parental status—are supported in balancing work and family life.

• Retention and Morale: Employees who feel supported during the transition back to work are more likely to remain with their employer, reducing turnover and fostering a culture of care.

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Adding supportive language like the following to your maternity and parental leave policies can have a positive impact on employees transitioning back to work after having a baby:

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“We are committed to supporting employees who choose to breastfeed or express milk upon returning to work. We will provide access to a clean, private, and comfortable space (not a toilet) for expressing milk, along with reasonable breaks during the working day. We encourage open conversations with line managers to ensure individual needs are met sensitively and appropriately.

 

As your employer, we have a general duty to take care of your health and safety.  As part of that duty, we are required to carry out an assessment of the risks in the workplace to pregnant women, those who have given birth in the last six months or who are still breastfeeding”​​