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Hi There are some Health and Safety regulation issues around new & expectant mothers at work and what employers are legally obliged to provide. A risk assessment would be required for each individual. The employer is legally required to provide suitable rest facilities for both new and expectant mothers (a new mother is defined as somebody who has given birth within the last 6 months.). Facilities to express and store milk aren't a legal requirement but the HSE do strongly encourage this. I've attached the guidance leaflet from the HSE for your info, the exact legal requirements can be found in the Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992. Sarah ________________________________ From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jenny Woodhouse Sent: 02 October 2007 09:14 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: query We had this issue with a clinical medic on a hospital placement (could she breastfeed during the working day and the answer there was no - in line with the local staff policy. On reflection I agreed with this. We've had other questions about bringing babies to training events etc, and we've generally agreed that it's not really fair to baby, other participants, and probably the mother herself. I think expressing milk (providing private space, time, and refrigeration) is a different issue; though I can't put my finger on regulations I think there is something somewhere which says that this should be provided for employees and by extension we should try to do the same for students. I think breastfeeding in public is a completely separate question - could be defined as a leisure activity in that if you can't feed the baby you can't go out anywhere for long. Jenny ________________________________ From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Virdee, Sharan Sent: 01 October 2007 12:16 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: query thanks for this Emma, have been having interesting exchanges off list as well - pass on your email address if you want to continue off list. thanks, Sharan ________________________________ From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list on behalf of Emma Stephens Sent: Mon 10/1/2007 11:54 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: query Great Sharan, I would be keen to know what guidelines you come up with. When I had my children I was a serious advocate of breastfeeding in public,and still believe that it should be possible everywhere. So I was surprised at my own reaction to your question which was an instant I don't think this is a good idea. One has to question the support that the mother is getting around this and really is having a baby with you in class a good idea for her own stress levels and concentration levels etc, let alone the other group members. Has she been supported to look into other options, for example putting her in contact with local breastfeeding support groups, or even including deferement to wait until the baby is less dependant on her. I absolutely agree that there should be adequate comfortable premesis where staff and students could go to express milk in the day if necessary, and we should all wholeheartedly support this, but my gut feeling is that where possible, and with good support, mothering duties should be left to the care of someone else if you want to study, for everyones benefit. (just personal opinions here, not Bournemouth Uni policy) but is is a very interesting subject. Emma -----Original Message----- From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Virdee, Sharan Sent: 01 October 2007 11:27 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: query Yes Emma that's my thoughts already. I'm chasing this with the School to find out more details. I thought in the meantime I would be as well drawing together some guidelines for practical support. thanks, Sharan ________________________________ From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list on behalf of Emma Stephens Sent: Mon 10/1/2007 11:17 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: query Dear Sharan, I have had a discussion with colleagues around this for you. We think that if you haven't already I think first port of call will be to check with Student services about any policies they have on bringing children/babies into classes in the first place. It seems unlikely that this would be allowed in the first place and therefore you may not even have to broach this issue. I would be interested in knowing if they did. Kind regards Emma Bournemouth University -----Original Message----- From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Virdee, Sharan Sent: 01 October 2007 10:24 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: query Dear all, I wondered if any of you had any advice you can share with me. We have been asked about breastfeeding during classes for one of our students. However, how to we best support mothers to breastfeed and support students to practice their religion when they may be offended by this? My thoughts are that we match the provision we have for staff. Any thoughts are very, very welcome. thanks, Sharan