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Breastfeeding

Employers

It is against the law to discriminate against women who are breastfeeding. This includes women who need to express milk by hand or using a pump. There are some limited exemptions.

Discrimination happens when a woman is treated less favourably because she is breastfeeding or needs to breastfeed over a period of time. It is also discrimination when there is an unreasonable requirement or practice that is the same for everyone but disadvantages women who are breastfeeding.

Example: It would be discrimination if a cafe refused to serve a woman because she is breastfeeding.

Example: It may be discrimination if an employer does not allow staff to take short breaks at particular times during the day. This may disadvantage women who are breastfeeding, as they may need to take breaks to express milk.