Combining breastfeeding and work

Staff who are juggling new motherhood, or soon plan to, have attended UNSW’s first breastfeeding workshop.

The workshop, held by Workplace Diversity, is part of a new University initiative to encourage and support new mums in combining breastfeeding and working at UNSW.

Australia’s breastfeeding rates decline steadily in the months after birth, with 84 per cent of babies breastfed on hospital discharge, 61 per cent at three months and only 49 per cent at six months.

Many mothers feel pressured to wean their babies early so that they can return to work.

The ABA has identified flexible work arrangements, lactation breaks, provision of breast feeding facilities and support from employers and colleagues as factors that assist mothers to combine working and breastfeeding.

“The workshop provided the opportunity for mothers and mothers-to-be to build a support network and share their experiences which was hugely beneficial for all who attended,” said Penelope Pitcairn Co-manager Workplace Diversity.

Katrina Dorrough, a breastfeeding counsellor from the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) facilitated the event and provided information on a range of topics such as breastfeeding first aid, an 8-Step Plan to Return to Work and Essential Equipment for Employed Mothers.

Eighteen women attended the course which Workplace Diversity will facilitate again in 2010.