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ATTRIBUTES
  • Recruitment, Retention and Promotion
  • Workplace Flexibility
  • Workplace Wellbeing and Safety

SOURCE
  • Ontario Public Health Association

TYPE OF RESOURCE
  • RReport

TARGET AREA
  • Family-friendly, Strategy

TARGET UNIT
  • Human Resources, Senior Leadership

LINK TO RESOURCE

Creating a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace

Ontario Public Health Association
This guide aims to assist employers when designing workplaces with accessible, well-equipped spaces for employees to breastfeed. This guide can also be used by employees who are attempting to establish lactation rooms or breastfeeding-friendly spaces at their workplace. It contains physical components that need to be in place for employees to breastfeed on-site, as well as cultural components that can help establish a company culture that respects breastfeeding and new mothers.

Essential components of a breastfeeding-friendly workplace:

  • Comfortable chair with supportive arms
  • Small table, chair and electrical outlet
  • Appropriatesignage (e.g. “ROOM IN USE”) to enhance privacy
  • Baby changing station or table with a means to hygienically clean area
  • Proximity tohand-washing facilities

Essential components that support breastfeeding in workplace culture:

  • Flexible time schedule to accommodate breastfeeding/pumping
  • Providing information to all employees
  • Ensuring that managers and employees are supportive of breastfeeding and working
  • Encouraging a network of women who can support each other when working and breastfeeding
  • No age limit regarding the breastfeeding child

To learn more, click here.