Workplaces can do their bit for breastfeeding

“Workplaces can do their bit to support breastfeeding mums on their return to work,” said CTU secretary Carol Beaumont.

The National Strategic Plan of Action for Breastfeeding was launched today, and was backed by the World Health Organisation.

"Some employers have come on board with breastfeeding breaks and facilities, but at a time of high skills and labour shortages and increasing participation of women in the paid workforce, employers need to make sure their workplaces are as welcoming as possible to new mothers returning to the workforce.”

“Improving breastfeeding and parental leave provisions is important for all New Zealanders, not just parents, as it can contribute to maternal and child health, gender equity and income stability.”

Breastfeeding is a worker rights issue that sits alongside quality childcare provision, the right to return part-time or full-time and longer and better paid parental leave with better eligibility criteria, Beaumont said.

"The CTU supports a legislative right to breastfeeding breaks and facilities for new mothers upon returning to work, and this is an area where we will continue to seek improvement in New Zealand's parental leave provisions. We are willing to work with employers and government agencies to help facilitate this.”

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