Introduction to Breastfeeding Rights in NZ
In my Auckland clinic, I've worked with numerous mums who are unsure about their breastfeeding rights in New Zealand. As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I'm here to guide you through the process of asserting your rights and getting the support you need. According to Plunket, over 80% of Kiwi mums initiate breastfeeding, and it's essential to know your rights to ensure a smooth journey.
According to Plunket, breastfeeding is an essential part of a child's development, and mums have the right to breastfeed their babies in any public place, including malls, cafes, and parks. Additionally, the Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora website provides information on breastfeeding and expressing milk at work, and you can contact them on 0800 611 116 for more information.
Breastfeeding Laws NZ
New Zealand has laws in place to protect breastfeeding mums. The Employment Relations Act 2000 (Part 6BA) requires employers to provide reasonable breaks and appropriate facilities for employees who wish to breastfeed or express milk at work. This means that your employer must provide a private and clean area for you to express milk, and you're entitled to take regular breaks to do so.
Breastfeeding Legislation NZ
The Ministry of Health NZ website provides information on breastfeeding legislation in New Zealand. Mums have the right to breastfeed their babies in any public place, and employers must provide a safe and healthy environment for breastfeeding employees. You can contact the Ministry of Health on 0800 855 066 for more information on breastfeeding legislation.
Asserting Your Breastfeeding Rights at Work
As a breastfeeding mum, you have the right to express milk at work. Here are the steps to follow:
- Notify your employer of your intention to breastfeed or express milk at work, ideally 3-4 weeks before returning to work.
- Discuss your needs with your employer and come to a mutually agreeable arrangement, including the frequency and duration of breaks.
- Ensure that your workplace has a safe and healthy environment for breastfeeding employees, including a private and clean area for expressing milk.
I recommend using a hospital-grade hands-free wearable pump like the Wearable Hands-Free Breast Pump PRO2 (Double) ($209.90, was $419.80) to make expressing milk at work easier and more convenient. The soft, BPA-free cups and gentle suction make it comfortable to use, and the compact design allows you to express milk discreetly.
What Are My Rights as a Breastfeeding Mother at Work?
As a breastfeeding mum, you have the right to:
- Express milk at work, with regular breaks and a private area
- Have a safe and healthy environment for breastfeeding, including access to a fridge for storing expressed milk
- Take regular breaks to express milk, ideally every 2-3 hours
Breastfeeding in Public
Breastfeeding in public is a natural and essential part of caring for your baby. Here are some tips for breastfeeding in public:
- Be confident and comfortable when breastfeeding in public, and remember that you're protected by law.
- Choose a comfortable and private location to breastfeed, such as a parents' room or a quiet corner.
- Use a breastfeeding cover or scarf if you feel more comfortable doing so, but remember that you don't have to – it's your right to breastfeed openly.
I recall a mum who came to my clinic, feeling anxious about breastfeeding in public. She had been told by a stranger to "cover up" while feeding her baby at a café. I reassured her that she had the right to breastfeed anywhere, and that she didn't need to hide. With newfound confidence, she continued to breastfeed her baby in public, and even reported back to me that she had received positive comments and support from strangers.
Breastfeeding Policy NZ
The Plunket website provides information on breastfeeding policy in New Zealand. Mums have the right to breastfeed their babies in any public place, and businesses must provide a safe and healthy environment for breastfeeding customers. You can contact Plunket on 0800 933 922 for more information on breastfeeding policy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when asserting your breastfeeding rights:
- Not notifying your employer of your intention to breastfeed or express milk at work, which can lead to inadequate facilities and support.
- Not discussing your needs with your employer and coming to a mutually agreeable arrangement, which can lead to conflicts and stress.
- Not ensuring that your workplace has a safe and healthy environment for breastfeeding employees, which can lead to health and safety risks.
Breastfeeding Public NZ
Breastfeeding in public is a natural and essential part of caring for your baby. Mums have the right to breastfeed their babies in any public place, and businesses must provide a safe and healthy environment for breastfeeding customers. Whether you're at the beach, a park, or a mall, you can breastfeed your baby with confidence and pride.
Conclusion
As a breastfeeding mum in New Zealand, it's essential to know your rights and how to assert them. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using a hospital-grade hands-free wearable pump like the Wearable Hands-Free Breast Pump PRO2 (Double), you can ensure that you have a safe and healthy environment for breastfeeding and expressing milk. Remember, you're not alone – there are many resources available to support you, including Plunket and Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora.
For more information on breastfeeding rights in NZ, you can visit the Plunket website or the Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora website. You can also read our blog post on Momcozy New Zealand vs TheRelievoo: A Comprehensive Comparison or Finding the Best Wireless Breast Pump NZ at Chemist Warehouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about breastfeeding rights in NZ:
-
Q: What are my rights as a breastfeeding mother at work?
A: As a breastfeeding mum, you have the right to express milk at work, have a safe and healthy environment for breastfeeding, and take regular breaks to express milk. -
Q: Can I breastfeed in public?
A: Yes, you can breastfeed in public. Mums have the right to breastfeed their babies in any public place, and businesses must provide a safe and healthy environment for breastfeeding customers. -
Q: What is the best way to express milk at work?
A: The best way to express milk at work is to use a hospital-grade hands-free wearable pump like the Wearable Hands-Free Breast Pump PRO2 (Double). -
Q: How do I assert my breastfeeding rights at work?
A: To assert your breastfeeding rights at work, notify your employer of your intention to breastfeed or express milk at work, discuss your needs with your employer and come to a mutually agreeable arrangement, and ensure that your workplace has a safe and healthy environment for breastfeeding employees. -
Q: What is the breastfeeding policy in NZ?
A: The breastfeeding policy in NZ is that mums have the right to breastfeed their babies in any public place, and businesses must provide a safe and healthy environment for breastfeeding customers. -
Q: Where can I find more information on breastfeeding rights in NZ?
A: You can find more information on breastfeeding rights in NZ on the Plunket website or the Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora website.
Written by Charlotte Reid, IBCLC
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (Auckland, New Zealand)
Charlotte is an IBCLC and mum of two based in Auckland. Since 2018 she has supported 500+ New Zealand families with breastfeeding, expressing and the return-to-work transition, and writes all TheRelievoo New Zealand guides in-house with the product team. She is a member of La Leche League New Zealand.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Aroha Mitchell, MBChB (Auckland)
