World Breastfeeding Week 2024 (1st-7th Aug)
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust recognise the important health benefits of breastmilk and breastfeeding. 
Recommendations from the World Health Organisation state that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, and then continue to breastfeed once solids are introduced for two years or longer.
It is acknowledged that any breastfeeding / breastmilk you can give your baby will greatly benefit both you and your baby’s health and wellbeing – every drop counts! Breastmilk continues to protect and support both you and your baby even after you have stopped breastfeeding.”
With this in mind, employees in the BHSCT may return to work while still breastfeeding and therefore need supported to enable them to express in the workplace to support their milk supply at this time. The policy Supporting Breastfeeding Employees Policy 2023 outlines the role of the employee and the employer in respect to supporting breastfeeding when the employee returns to work. Further information can be found in the following PHA leaflets:
- Breastfeeding and returning to work PHA NI Breastfeeding and returning to work leaflet 2023
- PHA NI Leaflet Promoting Breastfeeding Mothers returning to work Promoting breastfeeding for mothers returning to work: a guide for employers
A Back to work pack is available for all breastfeeding employees on their return to work to support ongoing Breastfeeding feeding at this time.
If you live in the BHSCT please speak to your Health Visitor or call the HV Helpline on: 02895040846 to receive a pack. If you live outside the Belfast Trust but work within the Trust please contact an Infant feeding Lead:
Barbara.Spratt@belfasttrust.hscni.net (Materntiy Lead)
Naomie.farrell@belfasttrust.hscni.net (Community Lead)
Gillian.weir@belfasttrust.hscni.net (Neonatal Lead)
For more information on breastfeeding and returning to work please visit bWell – staff health and wellbeing website.