“At a time when retention of experienced staff is vital,” the RCM emphasised, “there are serious implications for employers too, as workers may delay returning to work, or decide not to return to work at all” - Royal College of Midwives

A recent Royal College of Midwives (RCM) survey of its health and safety reps has found that not even hospitals and health trusts can always be relied on to support women who return to work while still breastfeeding.

Despite the scientific evidence supporting breastfeeding exclusively for at least the first six months, evidence that is mirrored in UK government guidance, the RCM points out that some of its members reported giving up breastfeeding altogether, with many saying they felt stress, anxiety and guilt as a result.

The survey data and accompanying research can be found on the RCM website, and notes one hospital which has installed a specially-designed breastfeeding pod for visitors and staff to use.

“While good local policies are really valuable,” the RCM concluded, “we know that they aren’t a requirement — which is why there’s so much disparity. That’s why we continue to raise concerns that the law does not protect or support breastfeeding at work, calling for change to improve your rights.”

We recommend including this in your maternity policy and talking about it with your employee before she goes off on maternity leave, so that she knows the company stance before she needs to consider about what things will look like on her return to work. Agreeing that this is something that can be discussed at the time when return to work is being finalised and as part of any keeping in touch days, will provide a good starting.

Remembering also to ensure that your managers who will be having such conversations are fully trained and confident in such.