Guidance

What is the breastfeeding policy?

NHSGGC aims to support and encourage mothers who wish to breastfeed after they return to work.

We will support breastfeeding by:

• Support the promotion of breastfeeding amongst our staff and patients
• Provide information about breastfeeding to pregnant employees
• Allow, where possible, flexibility in hours and regular breaks for employees wishing to breastfeed or express milk
• Where possible and necessary make appropriate rest areas and storage facilities available for breastfeeding mothers.

What should you do if you are considering breastfeeding at work?

Arrange to meet with your line manager at least 4 weeks before you are due to return to work to discuss arrangements which will allow you to continue to breastfeed.

What should I as a manager consider?

To support the employee, a temporary change of hours may need to be considered. Consideration should also be given to the length of shift to ensure that hours are not excessively long and therefore potentially detrimental to breastfeeding.

Where possible, time off during working hours should be granted to allow an employee to breastfeed or express milk.

Appropriate facilities nearby should also be considered. Somewhere comfortable and private to sit and a dedicated storage place to store expressed milk and sterilised equipment.

The HR Support and Advice Unit can be contacted on 0141 278 2700 if you have any further questions or need advice on this policy area.