Nowadays workplaces are encouraged to support breastfeeding mothers during the first six months following the birth of their babies.
The Code of Good Practice on the Protection of Employees during pregnancy and after birth makes provision that breastfeeding employers need to provide two 30 minute breastfeeding / expressing breaks to their employees for a period of 6 months after giving birth.
The ILO Recommendation 191 states that “where practical, provision should be made for the establishment of facilities for breastfeeding under adequate hygienic conditions at or near the workplace.”
This implies a clean space with room to sit down, privacy, access to clean water and a secure storage place for expressed milk to be supplied. Cleanliness, accessibility and security are key features.
