Breastfeeding support for employees

We support breastfeeding at work and in public spaces. Our aim is to make sure all mothers feel comfortable and supported to breastfeed wherever they are. We take part in the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme and are working towards a national award.

This means we expect all staff to understand the rights of breastfeeding mothers and help create a positive, respectful environment for families.

What Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland means

Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland is a national scheme that recognises organisations where:

• staff understand the law on breastfeeding
• mothers feel welcome and supported
• babies can be fed wherever they are allowed to be

The law protects the right to breastfeed in public places.

Your role as an employee

If you work or volunteer in one of our buildings, you should:

• be aware – mothers can breastfeed anywhere in our premises
• be welcoming – never ask someone to stop, move or cover up
• be supportive – help parents feel comfortable and respected

A positive, friendly approach makes a big difference.

If someone complains

If a person raises a concern about breastfeeding:

• stay calm and supportive
• reassure the parent
• explain that breastfeeding is allowed by law
• remind them that we support the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme

If needed, you can offer to move the person making the complaint, not the parent.

Supporting staff who breastfeed

We support employees who return to work and want to continue breastfeeding.

We all have a role in creating a workplace where colleagues feel supported. It is against the law to stop or prevent someone from breastfeeding.

You can ask your manager for our Breastfeeding and Return to Work Policy.

What to do next

• display Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland signage clearly in your building
• speak to your manager if you need advice
• help create a welcoming environment for staff and visitors

Together, we can make breastfeeding normal and supported across all our services.