accommodating breast feeding employee

[memoo]

I am asking this on behalf of my bil as he has been asking my advice but as I was unfortunately unable to breast feed I'm not sure if this is ok.

Bil runs a small business from a converted outhouse at his home.

He only employs 5 members of staff. One employee is due to return to work in a couple of weeks when her baby will be 6mo. Baby has a breast feed at lunch and employee's nanny is going to bring baby to the work each day so mum can do this. Bil is fine with this.

The working environment isn't a great place for somebody to be breast feeding so bil is wondering what to do.

There is a small conservatory at the back of the main house, is heated etc. BIL was wondering if he puts a comfy arm chair in there, whether that would be ok to be feeding in. He doesn't want to ask the employee because he is worried about mithering her while she is still on maternity leave.

I think that it would be perfect, its nice and peaceful and has a lovely outlook over the garden so would be a nice relaxing place to sit, and its heated so nice and warm.

I never managed to breast feed though so I'm worried i'm giving the wrong advice. Also don't want the employee to feel like she is being shoved out of sight to breast feed, its just that the buildng they work in isn't a great environment for a baby to be in.

Would really welcome any advice

he sounds lovely!

I'm sure the employee would be more comfortable in a separate room.

If she needs somewhere to express it might need to be more private (because you tend to have your boobs out more and find it hard to relax and a conservatory would be all glass).

that sounds lovely, only thing to bear in mind is that it can be difficult to bf in an arm chair if it's too narrow as the baby won't fit lying across your lap. Sofa or armless chair could be better but best of all, ask the woman what kind of chair she finds most comfy (it might just be me that can't deal with arms!)

What a lovely guy! Can I work for him too?

Sounds super, but yes, arms can be a struggle!

He sounds lovely! TBH, I don't think the employee would see it as mithering her when he's trying so hard to be an understanding, accommodating employer - I certainly wouldn't have seen it as such if it were me. Perhaps he could drop her an email saying that he's thinking of fixing this space for her to use, and what would she prefer to sit in?

On another note, could your BIL's company be nominated for a local breast-feeding friendly award, if there is such a thing?

I agree with PP that it wouldnt be viewed as mithering for him to just contact her and let her know what he is planning and ask if that will be suitable. I would be very surprised if the employee felt she was being "shoved out" and will probably appreciate the fact that he is trying to give her some privacy and comfort.

I also want to say that your BIL sounds like a fantastic employer who really respects and values his employees.