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AIBU?

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Original poster

Breastfeeding rights at work - please clarify for me please! I start in 3 days!

243 replies

carrie3003 · 14/10/2025 20:42

Returning to work part time after 10.5 months mat leave. Breastfeeding.

It is a new job (bank hours so 0 hour contract I can work when I like). Not worked there before.

First shift and induction is on Friday morning for 6 hours - a 20 minute break.

I have emailed and said my baby will be brought to me around 10/11am for a feed. (I read online that you need to tell your employer in writing you’re breastfeeding so that’s why I emailed)

They have just emailed back:

“That’s fine, we can look to work your break around that time if that’s ok with you”

I don’t have to use my break for this do I?
Surely as a breastfeeding mother I am entitled to my full break for me and a 10 minute breastfeeding “break” for my baby?
They can’t make me use my break to breastfeed can they?

What do I reply? It’s really shocked me as I thought she would just reply saying “yeah that’s fine”

Please tell me I’m not mad. AIBU? I need clarification on my rights and what to say back.

Not keen on returning to work as it is and now this has pushed me even more to just not go!

Thank you in advance lovely ladies xx

OP posts:
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8
Judecb · 15/10/2025 21:06

BananaPeels · 15/10/2025 21:01

If the law says that then wouldn’t that be discriminatory?. Some women would be allowed to do it and others not.

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Look up employer responsibilities. That's where the law is.

Judecb · 15/10/2025 21:04

TwinklyStork · 15/10/2025 20:19

Of course you’re not, don’t be ridiculous!
You think someone should be able to have their baby attached to the boob all day in the office if they want, or brought in from home whenever they fancy?!

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Look up employer responsibilities. You are wrong.

BananaPeels · 15/10/2025 21:01

Judecb · 15/10/2025 21:00

It's not a question of whenever you want. What you are suggesting is ridiculous. All I said is that the law allows women to breastfeed in the workplace whenever it practically allows. Why are you so angry about this?

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If the law says that then wouldn’t that be discriminatory?. Some women would be allowed to do it and others not.

Judecb · 15/10/2025 21:00

TeaCakeMun · 15/10/2025 20:44

But how can your rule of breastfeeding WHENEVER YOU WANT only apply to certain people in certain jobs? Who can make that a law? Do they list every job it’s allowed and every job its not?

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It's not a question of whenever you want. What you are suggesting is ridiculous. All I said is that the law allows women to breastfeed in the workplace whenever it practically allows. Why are you so angry about this?

daisychain01 · 15/10/2025 20:57

neighboursmustliveon · 15/10/2025 20:47

You are unreasonable to expect paid time to breastfeed! Why do you think you are entitled to more time off than anyone else just because you are choosing to breastfeed?

I was still breastfeeding by the time I returned to work with an 11 month old and she managed on a morning and evening feed. I never needed to feed or express mid work day.

paid time? What, 10 measly minutes? I can't believe the pettiness of people, towards a bf mother. Jeez, the last time I checked, I could have sworn this was a parenting website, where women come for support.

autumnevenings25 · 15/10/2025 20:47

I find it a bit weird you’d need a 10 month old - weaned - baby to be brought to you to BF…why can’t you pump?

neighboursmustliveon · 15/10/2025 20:47

You are unreasonable to expect paid time to breastfeed! Why do you think you are entitled to more time off than anyone else just because you are choosing to breastfeed?

I was still breastfeeding by the time I returned to work with an 11 month old and she managed on a morning and evening feed. I never needed to feed or express mid work day.

TeaCakeMun · 15/10/2025 20:44

Judecb · 15/10/2025 20:42

Because of COURSE a surgeon can't just stop to breast feed!!!! Do you REALLY think that was being suggested??!!!

But how can your rule of breastfeeding WHENEVER YOU WANT only apply to certain people in certain jobs? Who can make that a law? Do they list every job it’s allowed and every job its not?

Judecb · 15/10/2025 20:42

Because of COURSE a surgeon can't just stop to breast feed!!!! Do you REALLY think that was being suggested??!!!

TeaCakeMun · 15/10/2025 20:41

Judecb · 15/10/2025 20:37

Don't be ridiculous.

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Right so we agree that you made a mistake and actually it’s ridiculous to think someone should just be able breastfeed whenever they want during work hours?

helpfulperson · 15/10/2025 20:39

Judecb · 15/10/2025 20:37

Don't be ridiculous.

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Why is it ridiculous to point out a range of jobs when a women can't breast feed whenever she wants?

Judecb · 15/10/2025 20:37

TeaCakeMun · 15/10/2025 20:35

So a surgeon can just walk out half way through an operation to feed a baby?

A bus driver can just park up and feed?

A carer in a nursing home can stop mid way through helping someone with dementia go to the toilet?

Your dentist can just stop mid way through a filling?

The paramedic stops CPR to go and feed?

The customer service woman you are on the phone to dealing with a serious issue just hangs up mid way through the conversation.

The oncologist walks out half way through giving a patient a terminal diagnosis? Sorry that you’re dying but it’s my right to feed WHENEVER I WANT so I’m off.

What you really mean is people in basic office jobs should be able to. Not thinking that actually if they made that the law it would somehow have to work for every job going.

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Don't be ridiculous.

TeaCakeMun · 15/10/2025 20:35

Judecb · 15/10/2025 19:49

They are completely wrong. You are entitled to feed your baby whenever you want. This does NOT need to happen in "scheduled break times". DEAR GOD!!!! What century does this company live in??!! Speak to HR or a Union Rep to clarify.

So a surgeon can just walk out half way through an operation to feed a baby?

A bus driver can just park up and feed?

A carer in a nursing home can stop mid way through helping someone with dementia go to the toilet?

Your dentist can just stop mid way through a filling?

The paramedic stops CPR to go and feed?

The customer service woman you are on the phone to dealing with a serious issue just hangs up mid way through the conversation.

The oncologist walks out half way through giving a patient a terminal diagnosis? Sorry that you’re dying but it’s my right to feed WHENEVER I WANT so I’m off.

What you really mean is people in basic office jobs should be able to. Not thinking that actually if they made that the law it would somehow have to work for every job going.

TwinklyStork · 15/10/2025 20:19

Judecb · 15/10/2025 19:49

They are completely wrong. You are entitled to feed your baby whenever you want. This does NOT need to happen in "scheduled break times". DEAR GOD!!!! What century does this company live in??!! Speak to HR or a Union Rep to clarify.

Of course you’re not, don’t be ridiculous!
You think someone should be able to have their baby attached to the boob all day in the office if they want, or brought in from home whenever they fancy?!

Schoolchoicesucks · 15/10/2025 20:08

You shouldn't have to feed your baby in the toilet or car park (if you live 4 mins walk away surely you won't be driving!). But scheduling during your break seems sensible to me.

Cosyblankets · 15/10/2025 20:04

Judecb · 15/10/2025 19:49

They are completely wrong. You are entitled to feed your baby whenever you want. This does NOT need to happen in "scheduled break times". DEAR GOD!!!! What century does this company live in??!! Speak to HR or a Union Rep to clarify.

Can you link to this?

KookyRoseCrab · 15/10/2025 19:55

You are 0 hours contract which means they don’t have to offer any hours and you don’t need to accept any hours , my daughter has just finished breastfeeding he is 1 and 1/2 now and eating solids but she expressed her milk which meant anyone could feed him which we did

Judecb · 15/10/2025 19:49

They are completely wrong. You are entitled to feed your baby whenever you want. This does NOT need to happen in "scheduled break times". DEAR GOD!!!! What century does this company live in??!! Speak to HR or a Union Rep to clarify.

Tdcp · 15/10/2025 19:47

I would think that pumping before work and having the baby drink the milk out of a cup or bottle at home would be better all round tbh

party4you · 15/10/2025 19:32

3luckystars · 15/10/2025 17:39

I really hope you would get a break from a 6 hour shit. I can imagine how bad that would be to endure.

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not sure I’d actually want a break if it was constant!

party4you · 15/10/2025 19:31

preferteatocoffee · 15/10/2025 17:39

For the UK , yes that maybe correct. I don't work in the UK so defer to you. I realize the OP is in the UK.

However my post related to the entitlement to paid breaks in Ireland. Side note in Ireland you are legally entitled to a 15 minute break after 4.5 hours work and 30 minutes after 6 hours and 60 minutes after 8 hrs. These do not have to be paid.

If the OP were in Ireland, which she is not, she would be statutorily entitled to a paid breastfeeding break @ the pro rata rate of 1 hr per 8hrs work

Therefore on a 6 hour shift which is 75% of 8hrs she would be entitled to 75% of the 1 hr paid breastfeeding break time. I.e 45 mins paid breastfeeding break. I hope that clarifies

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Yes I wasn’t really directing it toward Irelands law I meant it more for all the people acting like OPs employers were being awful but it is interesting to know how it works in Ireland in comparison !

MarvellousMonsters · 15/10/2025 18:36

“Am I entitled to breastfeeding breaks?
No, the law does not currently allow a simple, straightforward right to breastfeeding breaks. However, it is good practice and your employer must consider any health and safety issues, as stated above.”

maternityaction.org.uk/advice/continuing-to-breastfeed-when-you-return-to-work/

PetuniaT · 15/10/2025 18:16

Tell them you'll do it during your fag break!

preferteatocoffee · 15/10/2025 17:39

party4you · 15/10/2025 17:23

Yes which OP is getting, if you’re on a 6 hour shit you wouldn’t normally get a break.

Show quote history

For the UK , yes that maybe correct. I don't work in the UK so defer to you. I realize the OP is in the UK.

However my post related to the entitlement to paid breaks in Ireland. Side note in Ireland you are legally entitled to a 15 minute break after 4.5 hours work and 30 minutes after 6 hours and 60 minutes after 8 hrs. These do not have to be paid.

If the OP were in Ireland, which she is not, she would be statutorily entitled to a paid breastfeeding break @ the pro rata rate of 1 hr per 8hrs work

Therefore on a 6 hour shift which is 75% of 8hrs she would be entitled to 75% of the 1 hr paid breastfeeding break time. I.e 45 mins paid breastfeeding break. I hope that clarifies

3luckystars · 15/10/2025 17:39

party4you · 15/10/2025 17:23

Yes which OP is getting, if you’re on a 6 hour shit you wouldn’t normally get a break.

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I really hope you would get a break from a 6 hour shit. I can imagine how bad that would be to endure.