If you are on maternity leave, and soon returning to work, you might like to think about if you'd like to continue breastfeeding. It is possible, and there are new laws in NZ that enable time in your day to do this. It's also going to depend on where you work, and if YOU want to do it.
You can continue to give your baby breastmilk by either using a breast pump to collect milk and store it, or bringing your baby into the office. Or you might be lucky and work close by to your child's care provider so that you can nip out to feed baby.
If using a breast pump, you'll ideally need a room with a closed door, a power supply, and a comfy chair. Plus a fridge to store the milk (you might like to put into into a cooler bag first so it doesn't look so obvious, and your colleagues would never guess!). We have recorded some demo videos on our Breastmates website particularly so that you can hear the sound that the breast pumps make. Some are rather noisy, so this is something to consider when you are purchasing and planning.
It can be a tricky thing to discuss with your employer. I am sure that any boss will be happy to see you back after you've had a baby, and they should be willing to help make this work. It is not likely to cost them any money (which is probably the first thing they'll worry about when you ask). Just a bit of juggling with rooms, and time. Plus if you continue to breastfeed your baby it will result in a healthier baby who doesn't get as many colds - which equals less time off work.
Breastfeeding or expressing in a toilet cubicle is not okay.
The new law that provides breaks and facilities for infant feeding in the workplace came into effect on 1 April 2009.
The new provisions are contained in the Employment Relations (Rest Breaks, Infant Feeding and Other Matters) Amendment Act . The legislation requires employers to provide employees with paid rest breaks and unpaid meal breaks. Employees will be entitled to:
- one paid 10-minute rest break if their work period is between two and four hours
- one paid 10-minute rest break and one unpaid 30-minute meal break if their work period is between four and six hours
- two paid 10-minute rest breaks and one unpaid 30-minute meal break if their work period is between six and eight hours.
You can also find some helpful information on the Employment Relations website: http://www.ers.govt.nz/publications/breastfeeding/index.html
