Breastfeeding Facilities
There are facilities and policies available to support you if you plan to continue to breastfeeding when you return to work.
Workplace regulations require employers to provide suitable facilities where breastfeeding mothers can rest. It is also good practice for employers to provide a private, healthy and safe environment for breastfeeding mothers to express and store milk.
You should provide written notification to your line manager that you intend to continue breastfeeding when you return to work so that an appropriate risk assessment can be undertaken.
More information on the HSE's guidance for employees breastfeeding at work can be found here: Health and Safety Executive - New and Expectant Mothers at Work
Breastfeeding / Chestfeeding Rooms on Campus:
We are pleased to say that the University hosts three rooms across the campuses for feeding/expressing. The rooms have been fitted out as rooms for use for colleagues to providena private, comfortable space to feed and/or express milk during the working day.
All rooms have a reclining nursing chair, plug sockets for electric pumps (no pumping equipment is provided) and a fridge for storing expressed milk.
The rooms are also suitable for use as rest facilities by pregnant colleagues.
- Whiteknights: G25, Library foyer
This room also contains a sink. It is accessible by swipe card - please contact parentfamilynetwork@reading.ac.uk to arrange access.
- London Road: L22, first floor CD201
This is a multi-purpose space and is also used as a quiet/prayer room. Access to this room does not need to be arranged in advance.
- Earley Gate: 1U02, Meteorology building
Access to this room does not need to be arranged in advance. .
Please contact parentfamilynetwork@reading.ac.uk if you have any questions/feedback about these rooms.
The creation of these rooms was made possible by funding provided through the Staff Forum.
Locally bookable rooms and fridges
In addition, there are a number of rooms in other building which can be used on an ad hoc basis to express milk . There are also a number of fridges which can be used to store expressed milk if colleagues are not otherwise able to access a fridge.
More information on locations and arranging access can be found on the Locally bookable rooms list