If you are working & breastfeeding your baby, you are entitled to take time off work each day to breastfeed. This applies to all women (or birthing parents) in employment who have given birth within the previous 2 years. Employers do not have to provide facilities in the workplace to facilitate breastfeeding if providing such facilities would give rise to considerable costs. You are entitled to the following ( at the discretion of your employer):
- Breastfeed in the workplace or express breast milk, where suitable facilities are available in the workplace, or
- Have your working hours reduced (without loss of pay) to facilitate breastfeeding where suitable facilities are not available.
If you are working & breastfeeding, you are entitled to take 1 hour off work (with pay) each day as a breastfeeding break for up to 2 years following birth. This time may be taken as:
- One 60 minute break
- Two 30 minute breaks
- Three 20 minute breaks
Breaks may be longer and more frequent if agreed between you and your employer. Check with your employer what their policy is.
Part-time workers are also entitled to breastfeeding breaks, calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Your right to time off is set out under Section 9 of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, as amended by the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.