North Lanarkshire Council recognises the short and long-term advantages of breastfeeding for both mother and baby and supports breastfeeding as the optimal infant feeding choice for all parents.
A new Breastfeeding Policy is now available that will enhance the current provisions that are in place within the Council and will allow for working mothers to continue to breastfeed on their return to work from maternity leave. The new policy also provides clear and precise information and support to give returning mothers the encouragement and confidence to continue to breastfeed.
Employees returning to work from maternity leave will be encouraged to continue breastfeeding through the provision of appropriate facilities and access to flexible working arrangements in line with the Council’s Smarter Working Policy.
When making arrangements to return to work following maternity leave, employees should notify their manager that they wish to continue breastfeeding to allow for the appropriate arrangements to be made.
Where possible, the following requests will be accommodated for breastfeeding mothers during the period they are breastfeeding:
- Flexible working: temporarily changing working hours or patterns to allow a mother to breastfeed in line with the Council’s Smarter Working Policy.
- Suitable facilities for breastfeeding or expressing milk: a private, hygienic, safe and secure area where a breastfeeding mother can express milk and, where necessary, the facility to lie down.
- Suitable facilities for storing breast milk: access to a refrigerator and, where possible, a clean area where sterilising equipment may be stored.
For further information please contact your line manager.