How do Australian workplaces support breastfeeding mothers in 2025? A content analysis to develop a 'Supportive
Bianca Blanch1,2, Amanda R Cooklin1, Nicole Bridges3
1Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Level 3, George Singer Building, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia.
Health Promotion International
|April 27, 2026
Summary
Australian workplaces offer various supports for breastfeeding mothers, including lactation spaces, breaks, and flexible work conditions. Further research is needed to understand employer perspectives on these breastfeeding-friendly workplace initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
- Women's Health
Background:
- Limited research exists on employers' perspectives of breastfeeding-friendly workplace (BFW) initiatives in Australia.
- Understanding how employers support breastfeeding mothers in paid employment is crucial for improving workplace policies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe how Australian BFWs report supporting breastfeeding mothers in paid employment.
- To explore the characteristics and supportive factors of BFWs listed on the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) website.
Main Methods:
- A 46-item inventory of supportive workplace factors was created based on profiles from the ABA website, systematic reviews, and published literature.
- The number of supportive factors present in each BFW profile was counted.
- Data were collected on 138 BFWs identified on the ABA website on October 1, 2025.
Main Results:
- The most common industries for BFWs were federal government/agencies (22%) and hospitals/healthcare (13%).
- Of the 138 BFWs, 57 (41%) published a workplace profile.
- The median number of supportive factors offered was 13 out of 46, with supportive workplace culture (93%), flexible work conditions (74%), and work-life balance (70%) being the most frequently reported.
Conclusions:
- Australian workplaces demonstrate diverse methods for supporting breastfeeding mothers.
- Future research should investigate employer perspectives on providing workplace support and align these with mothers' lived experiences.
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