Support for continuing breastfeeding when you return to work.
If you’re getting ready to return to work, you might be wondering how your workplace will support you to breastfeed or express. It’s common to have questions as you plan your return.
What are my entitlements and rights?
- Australian law protects your right to breastfeed, express, and store breastmilk at work. It's against the law for an employer to treat your unfairly because you are breastfeeding.
- You are entitled to reasonable breaks to breastfeed or express and a private, safe space to do this.
- Not providing this support may be discrimination under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and the Fair Work Act 2009.
How do I talk to my employer?
Before you go back to work, talk with someone in your workplace about the support you may need. This could be your manager, HR or someone responsible for staff wellbeing.
If you’re not sure how to begin, you can keep it simple. Try starting with:
- 'I’d like to talk about support for breastfeeding or expressing when I return to work.'
- 'I plan to keep breastfeeding and want to discuss what arrangements could support this.'
What do I ask?
These questions might give you the answers you need.
- Does the workplace have a breastfeeding or return to work policy?
- Are flexible work options available?
- Is there a private room for breastfeeding or expressing?
- Has anyone else kept breastfeeding after returning to work?
- Are lactation breaks available (paid or unpaid)?
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Combining breastfeeding and work
Together these three elements show that a workplace is supportive of employees who are breastfeeding.
Space
A private, comfortable space to breastfeed or express breastmilk. This is the first step towards being a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace.
Depending on the size of your workplace, this space could be a dedicated breastfeeding/expressing room or shared with a first aid room, prayer room or meeting room. Smaller workplaces may not always have a space available but there should be a plan to provide one when needed.
Time
Time during the working day to breastfeed or express.
Your needs as a breastfeeding employee are usually short-term. A workplace policy can help by clearly outlining support for lactation breaks so you have time to feed or express. This is the second step in becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace.
Supportive Culture
Support from your employer and colleagues can make a difference. A clear communication strategy and other workplace initiatives will back up the breastfeeding policy. Communication is key to building a supportive workplace culture.
Talk to your employer about Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace accreditation
When you discuss your plans for returning to work, you can direct your employer or HR personnel to the Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace pages. There they will find the information and resources they need to put in place to demonstrate their support for you as you return to work.
They may also choose to start the process of becoming an employer of choice as an accredited Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace.
© Australian Breastfeeding Association July 2026
Read mother's stories from accredited Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace organisations
