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Where can I get a breast pump from?
Both electric and hand breast pumps are available from the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), some retail stores, and from many pharmacies. Electric pumps can also be hired from ABA and some pharmacies. ABA counsellors and pharmacy staff may be able to assist you in choosing a pump most suitable to your needs.
Where do I get help if I am having problems with breastfeeding?
Lactation consultants and child health nurses should be able to provide you with assistance if you have problems breastfeeding. Some lactation consultants can be found in the Yellow pages, birthing hospitals will have a midwife or lactation consultant, or contact your child health centre. The Australian Breastfeeding Association has a Breastfeeding Helpline Service where volunteer counsellors can provide advice about breastfeeding management. In Queensland phone 1800-mum-2-mum (1800-686-2-686).
Where can I access a room for breastfeeding or expressing?
If there is not one established at your place of work, talk with your manager to make suitable arrangements. Because these sorts of arrangements may take some time, it would be helpful to discuss your requirements as soon as possible, preferably before you return to work.
My staff are very busy serving clients. How can I give women time off? What if there is an emergency?
It is important to allow your staff to take their awarded breaks to eat and refresh. The benefits of supporting women to continue giving their babies breastmilk are to mothers, babies, the work unit and the health system. There are many options and workplace agreements for taking lactation breaks in busy work environments.
We have a staff lunch fridge, is that suitable to store expressed breastmilk?
Yes. The fridge should remain hygienic and cleared regularly. Expressed breastmilk should be labelled when stored in the fridge. Discuss with the team prior to the milk being stored that it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the fridge remains hygienic.
Room is scarce. Does the room need to be solely dedicated for breastfeeding?
No. The allocated room does not need to be solely dedicated to breastfeeding, and may be available for other uses outside of the allocated times for breastfeeding eg. empty offices, meeting rooms, first aid rooms.
One of my colleagues has just returned to work after maternity leave, how can I support her in her decision to continue breastfeeding?
Respect her privacy when she is breastfeeding or expressing breastmilk. Discuss with the team how the lactation breaks may change the way your team provides a service and plan how your day may change with your manager. Help by keeping the fridge where breastmilk is stored hygienic.
Who is going to cover when the mother goes on her extra breaks?
Lactation breaks will be negotiated between the mother and their line manager. The timing of these breaks must take into account both organisational and employee needs with a focus on minimal disruption in the workplace. It takes a team approach to support a breastfeeding mother and in some cases there may be a need to cover a work load, where in other cases no extra human resources are necessary to accommodate extra breaks.
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