Breastfeeding support in the workplace
Find out about supporting breastfeeding in the workplace, including the legal obligations employers have, best practices and workplace policies.
The benefits of supporting employees who are breastfeeding
Supporting employees who return to work while continuing to breastfeed offers significant benefits to workplaces:
- Retaining employees – staff are more likely to stay, reducing recruitment and training costs
- Boosting reputation – creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment strengthens your organisation’s reputation for supporting workforce wellbeing and social responsibility
- Saving money – support for breastfeeding can lead to fewer sick days due to healthier babies, while promoting sustainability and reducing long-term costs
Many employees stop breastfeeding due to perceived or actual challenges faced when returning to work. The All Wales Breastfeeding Action Plan (opens in a new window) aims to create workplace environments supportive of breastfeeding. As an employer, the plan can help you understand what you can do to support employees who are breastfeeding.
You can also find advice on supporting employees who are new mothers (opens in a new window) on the HSE website.
Page last reviewed: 11th March 2025
