How Public Health Wales supports breastfeeding at work
To support employees returning from maternity leave, Public Health Wales have introduced dedicated spaces for staff that provide a safe, comfortable and private environment for breastfeeding and expressing milk, while also supporting wellbeing needs.
This initiative has helped create a more inclusive and family-friendly workplace culture.
About Public Health Wales
Public Health Wales is the national public health organisation for Wales, employing staff across a range of office and community settings.
The challenge
Public Health Wales recognised that employees returning to work while breastfeeding may face challenges accessing suitable facilities and balancing work with breastfeeding. Providing an appropriate space and support was essential to ensuring employees felt valued and able to continue breastfeeding for as long as they chose.
What did the organisation do?
Public Health Wales created a dedicated space called The Nest for colleagues to use for breastfeeding, reflection, personal wellbeing and parenting needs. There are currently two Nests across sites with more in the planning.
The Facilities team worked closely with staff networks and employee groups to shape the space. Their feedback ensured the room meets a range of needs and respects the different ways colleagues may wish to use it.
The work included:
- Establishing a dedicated, private space for breastfeeding and expressing milk
- Equipping the room with comfortable seating, privacy measures and appropriate facilities
- Promoting awareness of The Nest and available support through internal communications
The results - Improved workplace support for breastfeeding employees
- Increased awareness of breastfeeding-friendly workplace practices
- Contributed to a more positive and inclusive working environment
Claire Birchall, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Integrated Governance, who opened the room said:
“I am proud to open a dedicated parent’s space designed to provide comfort, privacy and support for colleagues balancing the demands of work and parenthood. At Public Health Wales we want to support all families in Wales to breastfeed for as long as they would like to and that starts with our staff. This space provides a dedicated environment for colleagues in CQ2 to rest and express milk, helping them to combine work and breastfeeding for as long as they wish.”
Top tip for other employers
Start with practical, visible support. A dedicated private space can make a significant difference to an employee’s experience of returning to work while breastfeeding.