Any business, community group or organisation that has premises open to the general public is eligible to join, for example customer services, hotels, community centres, sports and recreation facilities, restaurants, libraries or health centres. All employers who want guidance in meeting their obligations to create a breastfeeding friendly workplace for their employees.
In order to join, a business, group or organisation must fulfil the criteria below. Businesses, community groups or organisations can choose to sign up individually or across a number of premises.
Why Join We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick
By signing up to ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick’ any business, community group or organisation across Limerick can show they welcome and support breastfeeding employees, parents and families by some simple and low cost actions.
How to join We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick
Guidance on increasing awareness to develop a culture within your business/organisation that is enabling and supportive for breastfeeding parents and customers.
- Display sticker ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick’, indicating that breastfeeding is welcome and supported on your premises.
- Display posters (provided in pack) showing local breastfeeding support groups.Have a comfortable chair and option of a more private area if the mother wishes.
- A separate room is a bonus but careful positioning of chairs may be enough, and many mothers are happy to breastfeed anywhere.
- Offer breastfeeding mothers a welcoming gesture e.g. a glass of water or cushion.
- Provide simple toys e.g. blocks/crayons/books for children.
- Staff Education and discussion on the contents of ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick’, leaflet ensuring all staff understand the relevant
Recommended Facilities to support staff who are breastfeeding or expressing:
- Suitable room with adequate privacy (an existing room can be repurposed to suit for the required time period)
- Supportive chair
- Fridge to store expressed breast milk
- A power socket
If not possible to provide these facilities, the employee may be offered to take their breastfeeding break off site in a 1 hour block at an agreed time.
