Benefits of breastfeeding
Many mothers breastfeed their newborn baby nowadays. Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both the newborn and the mother.
- Breast milk contains an almost perfect mix of proteins, fats, and vitamins, ideal for the baby's growth and development. Breast milk contains important antibodies that help strengthen the baby's immune system and reduce the chance of many diseases and infections. This, in turn, leads to lower infant mortality.
- Babies who are breastfed have a lower chance of asthma, allergies, ear infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and fewer respiratory infections.
- The emotional bond between mother and child is also naturally much stronger. Physical contact helps to build a strong, loving bond.
- Breastfeeding also offers health benefits for the mother.
Employee rights
Every breastfeeding mother therefore has the right to a break at work to breastfeed or express milk up to nine months after childbirth.
Anyone working more than four hours a day may take a half-hour break. Anyone working more than seven and a half hours a day may interrupt work twice for half an hour (or one hour). The breaks are not paid by the employer, but the mother has the right to compensation from the health insurance fund. During the period these breaks are taken, she provides a monthly certificate stating that she is breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding breaks must be requested at least 2 months in advance from the employer.
Employer obligations
As an employer, you must provide a space where employees can discreetly and hygienically breastfeed or express milk. The space must meet several minimum requirements, such as hot and cold water, a comfortable chair, a refrigerator, privacy, sufficient size, ventilation, lighting, and heating. The layout of the space is done in consultation with the prevention adviser or occupational doctor. If the first aid room meets the above conditions, it may be used as a breastfeeding room.
By supporting breastfeeding, you also contribute more to creating a more sustainable society. You promote the health and well-being of your female employees and their babies. The development of children is also promoted in this way. Healthcare costs for families and society are reduced. Furthermore, you enable women to combine their careers and motherhood.
