In the fast-paced world of education, teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations. However, for many female teachers returning to work after having a baby, the challenge of continuing to breastfeed can be overwhelming. Schools, as workplaces, need to recognise the unique needs of breastfeeding teachers and provide the necessary support to ensure they can balance their professional responsibilities with their commitment to breastfeeding.

The Challenges Faced by Breastfeeding Teachers

1. Lack of Time and Flexibility: Teaching is a demanding profession, with a rigid schedule that often leaves little room for personal breaks. Teachers may have just a few minutes between classes, and their planning periods are often filled with meetings, grading, or preparing lessons. Finding time to pump breast milk during the school day can be extremely challenging.
2. Inadequate Facilities: Many schools lack designated, private spaces for breastfeeding teachers to pump milk. This often forces them to use uncomfortable and unsuitable locations, such as toilets, storage rooms, or their cars. Pumping in such environments is not only unhygienic but also stressful, which can negatively impact milk production.
3. Pressure to Return to Work Quickly: The education sector often faces teacher shortages, which can lead to pressure on new mothers to return to work sooner than they might prefer. This can result in teachers struggling to establish a breastfeeding routine or maintain their milk supply when they do return.
4. Emotional and Physical Toll: The stress of balancing teaching responsibilities with breastfeeding can take an emotional and physical toll on new mothers. Many teachers report feeling isolated or unsupported in their efforts to continue breastfeeding, which can lead to early weaning and feelings of guilt or failure.

Why Schools Need to Step Up

1. Supporting Teachers’ Well-being: Schools have a duty to support the well-being of their staff, and this includes accommodating the needs of breastfeeding teachers. Providing time and space for breastfeeding or pumping is not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about respecting the health and emotional well-being of teachers, which in turn can lead to greater job satisfaction and retention.
2. Legal and Ethical Responsibilities: In the UK, employers are legally required to provide suitable facilities for breastfeeding mothers to express milk. Schools must ensure they are meeting these requirements to avoid potential legal issues. Beyond the legal aspect, there is an ethical responsibility to create an inclusive and supportive work environment for all staff.
3. Positive Impact on School Culture: By supporting breastfeeding teachers, schools can foster a more inclusive and compassionate workplace culture. This can have a positive ripple effect, improving staff morale and making the school a more attractive place to work. A supportive environment encourages teachers to feel valued and respected, which can enhance their commitment to the school and their students.
4. Role Modeling for Students: Schools are not just workplaces—they are also learning environments for children. When schools actively support breastfeeding teachers, they send a powerful message to students about the importance of family, health, and work-life balance. It normalizes breastfeeding as a natural and important aspect of life, which can help to break down societal stigmas and promote healthy practices for future generations.

Practical Steps for Schools to Support Breastfeeding Teachers

1. Designated Lactation Rooms: Schools should provide a clean, private, and comfortable space for teachers to pump breast milk. This space should be equipped with a chair, a table, an electrical outlet, and a lock on the door to ensure privacy. Ideally, it should also be located near a sink for washing hands and pump parts.
2. Flexible Scheduling: Whenever possible, schools should allow for flexible scheduling to accommodate pumping breaks. This might involve arranging for a colleague to cover a class or allowing the teacher to use part of their planning period for pumping. Flexibility can make a significant difference in a teacher’s ability to continue breastfeeding.
3. Educating Staff: Schools should educate all staff members about the importance of breastfeeding and the specific needs of breastfeeding teachers. This can help to create a supportive environment where breastfeeding is normalized and respected, reducing any potential stigma or misunderstandings.
4. Clear Policies and Communication: Schools should develop clear policies regarding breastfeeding support and communicate these policies to all staff. Teachers should feel comfortable discussing their needs with school administrators and be confident that their requests will be met with understanding and support.
5. Providing Resources: Schools can also provide resources such as information about local breastfeeding support groups, access to lactation consultants, or materials on breastfeeding rights and best practices. These resources can empower teachers to continue breastfeeding while managing their work responsibilities.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding teachers face unique challenges when returning to work, but with the right support, they can successfully balance their professional and personal lives. Schools have a crucial role to play in creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment that supports the well-being of their staff. By stepping up to meet these needs, schools not only comply with legal obligations but also foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture that benefits everyone. The Nourish Consultancy is committed to helping schools and other workplaces create environments where breastfeeding teachers can thrive.