Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
Catholic Education Office

Breastfeeding and Work

Related Policies:

Job Share

Purpose:

This policy seeks to enhance the family friendly work environment promoted within Catholic Education Office workplaces.

Policy:

The Catholic Education Office recognises the importance of breastfeeding for both mother and baby and therefore supports breastfeeding within the workplace.

Definitions:

N/A

Procedures:

1. The Catholic Education Office will provide information to employees regarding this policy and its procedures when approving Maternity Leave applications and in correspondence associated with return to work following the birth of a child.

2. The Catholic Education Office recognises that a breastfeeding woman will need to take lactation breaks as required to breastfeed her baby or to express milk. Such breaks will be granted by the Principal as appropriate.

3. A clean, hygienic and private (i.e. lockable) area will be set aside in the workplace for breastfeeding or expressing milk. This area will contain:

• comfortable seating, access to facilities for washing hands and equipment, and a power point;
• access to adequate refrigeration and/or freezer space for milk storage; and
• lockable storage facilities (cupboard, lockers, desk) for breast pump and other equipment.

4. Issues arising out of this policy may be directed to the Chair of the Equal Opportunity in the Workplace Committee for clarification and action.

References:

Guide to Combining Breastfeeding and Work

Forms:

Nil

Last updated on December 2, 2006