Supporting Breastfeeding friendly Workplaces

Evidence-informed consultancy for organisations supporting employees returning to work after maternity leave.

Why this matters

Breastfeeding support is not just a wellbeing initiative.

It’s a workforce retention strategy.

Research from the IZA Institute of Labor Economics and the Nuffield Foundation shows that breastfeeding support improves maternal workforce participation, reduces childhood illness and supports long-term wellbeing.


Retention        

Employees are more likely to return and remain


Reduced Absence

Fewer childhood illnesses


Engagement    

Supported employees are more productive


Reputation      

Family-friendly employers attract talent

Who I work with

HR Teams

    • Review maternity and return-to-work policies.

    • Develop breastfeeding-friendly workplace guidance.

    • Create clear internal resources for employees and managers.

    • Ensure policies are practical, consistent and easy to implement.

  • Policy review, workplace guidance documents, and HR briefings.

Supporting breastfeeding employees often raises practical questions around policy, facilities and consistency across teams.

Line Managers

Managers are often the people employees turn to first when they return to work. Many want to be supportive but feel unsure what is expected or appropriate.

    • Understand breastfeeding and expressing needs at work

    • Navigate return-to-work conversations confidently.

    • Manage scheduling and workspace considerations.

    • Support employees while maintaining team workflow.

    • Ensure policies are practical, consistent and easy to implement

  • Manager training sessions, leadership briefings and practical guidance.

Organisations and Employers

Many organisations are reviewing how they support employees during major life transitions, including maternity leave and return to work.

    • Develop breastfeeding-friendly workplace practices.

    • Design suitable lactation or expressing spaces.

    • Integrate breastfeeding support into wider wellbeing strategies.

    • Strengthen employee retention and workforce wellbeing.

  • Workplace reviews, consultancy projects and organisational training.

Ways We Can Work Together

  • I work with HR teams to review existing maternity and return-to-work policies and develop practical breastfeeding-friendly guidance.

    Includes

    • Policy review

    • Manager guidance

    • Employee resources

  • Evidence-based training sessions that help managers confidently support employees returning to work while breastfeeding.

  • Confidential consultations helping employees plan breastfeeding or expressing around work schedules.

  • Guidance on creating practical lactation spaces and integrating breastfeeding support into workplace wellbeing strategies.

I work with organisations to support both people and performance.

How the process works

Initial conversation

Short discussion with HR or leadership.

Workplace Review

Review policies, facilities and workforce needs.

Implementation

Clear, evidence-based guidance.

Ongoing Support

Follow-up advice as policies embed.