Creating a breastfeeding friendly environment

Breastfeeding offers significant health benefits to babies and mothers. However, returning to work or using childcare is a common barrier to breastfeeding. Early childhood services can play a key role in supporting employees and families with both returning to work and, breastfeeding.  

When your centre supports breastfeeding, you: 

• Promote child and maternal health
• Create a caring and respectful workplace culture 

Breastfeeding: 

• Provides all the nutrition that babies need during the first 6 months of life 
• Helps build strong immune system to protect them from getting sick 
• Promotes child health and strengthens family trust 

Breastfeeding is recommended where possible for up to 12 months and beyond.  

National guidelines that support breastfeeding include: 

• Infant feeding guidelines 
• Get Up & Grow 

Your service can support breastfeeding by having a clear policy and positive workplace culture. Practical ways to do this include: 

1. Provide a safe and private space 

• A clean, comfortable and private place for breastfeeding, expressing and storing breastmilk 
• A chair and table 
• Access to power if needed 
• A fridge to safely store breastmilk 

2. Allow time and flexibility 

• Give staff time to breastfeed or express milk 
• Be flexible with breaks where possible 

3. Educate and support staff 

• Help staff understand why breastfeeding is important 
• Teach safe handling and storage of breastmilk 
• Promote a positive and respectful attitude towards breastfeeding 

4. Share your policy 

• Display your breastfeeding policy 
• Include the policy in staff orientation 
• Include it in family enrolment packs 

The Australian Breastfeeding Association has a pathway to become a Breastfeeding Friendly Early Childhood Education and Care Service. 

View the Healthy Eating Advisory Service resources: 

• Creating a breastfeeding friendly environment 
• Practical management of expressed breastmilk