Media Release 25 March 2008
Women’s Health Action

Legislation Needed For Breastfeeding At Work

“It is about time there was legislation for breastfeeding space and breaks!” Says Louise James, Breastfeeding Advocate for Women’s Health Action.

Women’s Health Action has been campaigning for support to be given to mothers in employment ever since 2003 with a business survey and the launch of the controversial Michael Hurst poster, ‘Ever tried breastfeeding at work?’ which was pulled by the Ministry of Health.

“Space and breaks however will not be enough. Workplace culture will need to shift drastically to accommodate breastfeeding. Research shows that support will need to be filtered down from top management right through to shop floor to empower mothers to feel safe to breastfeed” says Louise.

“Breastfeeding is not as simple as just having a room and an adequate break, the mother and child need to feel safe and comfortable wherever they are by the people that are around them. And it will be worth it for employers as absenteeism drops and company loyalties increase.”

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