How to talk with your employer about breastfeeding in the workplace
Sometimes it can feel difficult to push back with your employer, even when you’re within your rights to do so. Below we detail some example statements and responses you might want to consider when talking with your employer about breastfeeding in the workplace.
On supporting breastfeeding
It’s optional to support breastfeeding in the workplace and unfortunately, we don’t offer that in our organisation.
Response
While it’s optional to provide paid lactation breaks in Australia, my right to combine breastfeeding and paid work is protected under the Federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984. It is generally against the law to refuse to make arrangements to support breastfeeding (that includes expressing milk), if they are reasonable.
On expressing in private
Sandra just expressed milk in the tea room during her lunch break – can’t you just do the same?
Response
Every breastfeeding parent has different privacy needs. For me, I’d be more comfortable and relaxed if I could breastfeed in private – can we work together to identify a possible space to enable me to express milk/breastfeed in privacy?
On demanding you wean
Back in my day, this wasn’t even a conversation. Can you please just wean your baby before you return to work?
Response
Legislation has come a long way. My right to combine breastfeeding and paid work is now protected under the Federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984. It is now generally against the law to refuse to make arrangements to support breastfeeding (that includes expressing milk), if they are reasonable.
It’s also worth noting that there are many health benefits to breastfeeding, both for the baby and for my own perinatal mental health. I'm within my rights to protect my choice to continue to offer my child breast milk.
On when you can take breaks
You can breastfeed when it fits in, but you wouldn’t want to add stress to your colleagues when it gets busy on the floor.
Response
I don’t want to add stress to my colleagues, however if I don’t express milk at consistent times throughout the day, my milk supply will likely reduce. It’s important that I have the time and space I need to ensure I’m able to meet my child’s feeding needs.
On skipping feeds
Can’t you just skip a feed so you can attend this meeting?
Response
If I skip a feed, my milk supply can reduce, which will mean I’m unable to meet my child’s feeding needs. It's important for me to express or feed at consistent times throughout the day to maintain my supply.
In addition, skipping a feed can cause me discomfort and put me at risk of serious illness, such as mastitis.
As my child gets older, feeds will decrease, which will free up some more time, until then I need you to support me in taking the time I need.
On storing milk in the staff fridge
I’m fine with you pumping at work, but can you not put your milk in the staff fridge? It’s a health hazard!
Response
Breastmilk is not a bodily fluid, but a food product – just like cow’s milk. Exposure to breastmilk does not put anyone at risk of transmitting disease – this has been verified by various infectious disease departments.
In order for me to be able to deliver the health benefits of breastmilk to my child, I need to be able to store the milk appropriately. Rest assured that anything I put in the fridge is safe and sealed.
For further information you can refer employers to our breastfeeding factsheet here.
This resource was developed in consultation with Associate Professor Elaine Burns and Dr Sky Hugman, Western Sydney University.
