Why Breastfeeding Support Should Be at the Heart of Your DE&I Strategy

Inclusion doesn’t end at the maternity ward.

Creating a breastfeeding friendly workplace is fast becoming a litmus test for how seriously employers take their commitment to gender equity, wellbeing, and diversity. And yet, for too many organisations, this vital area is still overlooked or misunderstood.

A 2025 report from the University of Reading found that many working mothers felt physically and emotionally unsupported when expressing milk at work. Common issues included no access to private, lockable rooms, no allocated time during the day, and uncomfortable or even hostile attitudes from colleagues.

These oversights don’t just impact the individual. They send a wider message about how welcome and supported new mothers really are.

What does a truly inclusive return to work look like?

It looks like:

• A policy that clearly states how breastfeeding will be supported.
• Managers trained to handle sensitive conversations with empathy.
• A clean, lockable space to express milk.
• Flexible arrangements that allow for expressing and feeding needs.

FAB’s new Certified Breastfeeding Friendly Employers Package is designed to help organisations embed these best practices across their teams. Structured over six weeks and currently undergoing CPD UK accreditation, the programme equips HR professionals and line managers with everything they need to support staff from pregnancy through to return to work and beyond.

It’s about more than facilities. It’s about culture.

By creating a breastfeeding friendly workplace, you:

• Show your commitment to gender equity
• Reduce maternity return attrition
• Protect against costly legal risks
• Strengthen your reputation as a family-friendly employer

Support returning mothers, and your business.

Explore FAB’s solutions for businesses supporting families here.