Maternity Protection (Protection of Mothers Who Are Breastfeeding) Regulations 2004

Overview

The Maternity Protection (Protection of Mothers Who Are Breastfeeding) Regulations 2004 strengthens protections for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. Made under the Maternity Protection Act, 1994, the regulations ensure that eligible employees are entitled to time and facilities for breastfeeding during the working day.

The regulations entitle mothers who have given birth within the previous 26 weeks to either:

• Paid time off work to breastfeed, or
• A reduction in working hours for the purpose of breastfeeding.

Employers are also required, where practicable, to provide suitable facilities for breastfeeding or for expressing and storing breast milk. Compliance not only fulfils a legal duty but aligns with best-practice workplace standards under ISO frameworks, enhancing employee wellbeing and organisational reputation in the process.

Benefits of compliance may include:

• Supportive Workplace Culture: Encourages a family-friendly, inclusive environment that supports working mothers.
• Improved Employee Retention: Supporting breastfeeding can reduce staff turnover among new mothers.
• Regulatory Compliance: Reduces the risk of legal liability and supports alignment with broader equality and workplace health standards.