When you think of a breastfeeding-friendly workplace, what comes to mind? For many, the phrase might evoke images of mothers nursing their babies at their desks or in meeting rooms. But the reality is far more practical and inclusive than this.

A breastfeeding-friendly workplace does not mean that parents are expected to bring their babies to work. Instead, it’s about creating an environment that provides the right support for breastfeeding parents, empowering them to balance their work and family life without added stress.

What Does a Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Look Like?

A workplace that supports breastfeeding employees is one that recognises their needs and creates policies and spaces that help them manage breastfeeding or pumping during the workday. This includes:

1. Private, Comfortable Lactation Rooms: A dedicated, private space that isn’t a bathroom is key for breastfeeding employees who need to express milk. It should be clean, comfortable, and equipped with essentials like seating, outlets for breast pumps, and refrigeration for storing milk. This allows parents to pump discreetly and comfortably without feeling rushed.
2. Flexible Break Times: Breastfeeding and pumping require regular intervals throughout the day. A breastfeeding-friendly workplace understands this and offers flexible break times for employees to pump as needed. This could mean adjusting lunch breaks or adding short breaks for expressing milk without penalising the employee for the time taken.
3. Supportive Workplace Policies: From maternity leave that allows for adequate recovery and breastfeeding establishment, to policies that encourage flexibility in work hours or remote working, a supportive workplace offers clear guidelines that benefit both the employee and employer.
4. Manager and Peer Support: A supportive workplace culture begins at the top. Managers who understand the needs of breastfeeding employees can offer the necessary encouragement and flexibility. Education about breastfeeding rights and support systems for both managers and peers can help create an understanding, non-judgmental environment.

Why Bringing Your Baby to Work Isn’t the Solution

The notion of bringing a baby to work sounds accommodating on the surface, but in practice, it often isn’t the most effective way to support breastfeeding. Here’s why:

1. Disruption to Work: Caring for a baby while working is a near-impossible balancing act. Babies require constant attention, and for a parent trying to concentrate on professional responsibilities, this can lead to stress and decreased productivity.
2. Workplace Suitability: Not all workplaces are equipped for babies. While it may work in some small, flexible office settings, most workplaces are not designed to accommodate a baby’s needs for feeding, napping, and play. Additionally, bringing a baby to work could present safety and liability concerns, depending on the industry.
3. Personal Space: Many breastfeeding parents prefer to separate their work life from parenting for a few hours each day. This can help create healthy boundaries and allow them to focus on their work without worrying about constantly juggling childcare. Pumping at work enables this balance.

Real Solutions for Working Parents

A breastfeeding-friendly workplace is one that allows parents to breastfeed or pump with ease, without the expectation of bringing their child to work. This distinction is critical because it helps normalise breastfeeding support while respecting the professional environment. When workplaces offer the right facilities and flexibility, they enable breastfeeding employees to thrive without added challenges.

By fostering an environment that prioritises breastfeeding support, businesses not only promote employee wellness but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, employee retention, and productivity. Let’s shift the narrative and understand that supporting breastfeeding employees is about providing real, practical solutions—not expecting them to bring their babies to the office.

In short, a breastfeeding-friendly workplace doesn’t mean babies at work—it means parents at work who are supported in their breastfeeding journey.

Note: This post was inspired by my recent chat with Professor Sarah Jewell (University of Reading) about her ongoing study ‘Maternal Well-being, Infant Feeding, and Return to Paid Work’.