Balancing breastfeeding and work is a challenge many mothers face, and for those in the UK health sector, the struggle can be even greater.

A recent research article, The Impact of Legal Policies and Workplace Culture on Breastfeeding in the UK Health Sector, sheds light on the barriers healthcare professionals encounter when trying to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. The research was conducted Dr Danielle Hinchcliffe, Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi and Darcy Neilson from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).

Photo of healthcare worker Grace Redmond

Findings From The Study

After almost 1,000 women in the NHS were surveyed, researchers found that health sector employees are not well supported to breastfeed upon return to work. Only 36.3% of the participants reported their workplace had a breastfeeding policy. Participants cited breastfeeding as a reason for staying longer on maternity leave because of lack of workplace support. This also affected mothers’ ability to benefit from shared parental leave, as it would require the mother to return to work early.

The study demonstrated that mothers who felt supported by their employers through providing breastfeeding policies, clear communications and signage in the workplace were more likely to breastfeed for as long as they intended.

What Needs To Change In The UK Health Sector?

For real progress, the UK health sector must work to create a culture that genuinely supports breastfeeding mothers. The study highlights a number of steps that could be taken to better encourage and facilitate healthcare workers continuing to breastfeeding once back in the workplace. These include:

• Clear Breastfeeding Policies. The study clearly highlights a need for more explicit, standalone breastfeeding policies that are clearly communicated to employees, since accessible policy information could encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding upon returning to work.

• Training for Managers. The researchers recommend employers invest in training for those in managerial positions in order to communicate breastfeeding policies effectively. It is important managers have conservations with mothers to understand their needs and how to best support them upon returning to work.

• Visual Indicators Promoting Breastfeeding. There should have clear signage on breastfeeding benefits, support and facilities which would be useful for both employees and patients. Whilst it is mandatory for workplaces to support maternity leave support of breastfeeding is often less prioritised. Visible indicators of support can influence mothers’ comfort levels with breastfeeding and expressing breast milk at work 

Photo courtesy of Grace Redmond

Final Thoughts

Healthcare workers, and others who work in the service industries, are often expected to provide care for others, but when it comes to their own needs—like breastfeeding—support can be lacking. This research is a crucial reminder that real change comes from shifting workplace culture. By supporting breastfeeding mothers who work within the UK health sector, we create a better environment not just for them, but for future generations of working parents.

Healthcare workers are often expected to provide care for others, but when it comes to their own needs—like breastfeeding—support can be lacking.

📖 Read the full research article here.

Conclusion

The Nourish Consultancy is dedicated to helping healthcare organisations create breastfeeding friendly workplaces to ensure their employees feel valued and supported in their roles. Contact us today for a free consultation and to make the change you need to.