Mumsnet Talk

In a few weeks, the bill on flexible parental leave is going before parliament.

Currently, UK mothers have no legal rights to express breast milk at work and protect their breastfeeding relationship.

The charity Maternity Action is talking to government and the discussions around the bill could be an excellent opportunity to consider the rights of UK breastfeeding women and their babies.

US Federal law gives mothers the right to have 'reasonable time' to express. Even with their lack of maternity leave, the US has 16% exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months (with many states exceeding 20%) - compare that to 1% in the UK - and 47% doing some breastfeeding at 6 months (compared to our 34%).

Giving UK mothers some rights when they return to work would surely help.

Maternity Action is looking to collect examples of good employer practice to show the government that allowing women to express need not be a hassle or hard work.

Did you employer give you the time and a place and support you? They may have had a written policy or perhaps you just had a supportive manager willing to make some accommodation.

If you are willing to share your story, please email me at emmapickettibclc@gmail.com. I am collecting examples to pass on to Maternity Action. Any help would be much appreciated. This is a real opportunity for us to make a difference.