Breastfeeding mums need confidence of a supportive workplace when they return

"Breast feeding mums need to feel confident that workplaces have policies in place and a culture that supports them and their babies at work," CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

Today is the end of World Breastfeeding Week, and the start of the 24 hour world record attempt on simultaneous breastfeeding.  Several events are getting underway around New Zealand this morning in workplaces, community centres and public halls.

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

“The CTU supports a legislative right to breastfeeding breaks and appropriate facilities for new mothers upon returning to work to ensure our compliance with ILO Convention 183 (maternity protections).” 

Breastfeeding breaks and facilities are one of a number of ways to support working parents, to build upon the ongoing improvements New Zealand has made to paid parental leave provisions and improving childcare provision, Beaumont said.