World Breastfeeding Week from October 2 to 8

Breastfeeding at work - it's possible! This year, World Breastfeeding Week from October 2 to 8 is being held under the motto "Breastfeeding at work - know your rights". The aim is to inform breastfeeding mothers about their rights in the workplace so that returning to work, studying or training does not have to be a reason to stop breastfeeding. Companies and employers should ensure a breastfeeding-friendly working atmosphere and working environment.

WHO recommendation - breastfeeding for six months

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that babies should be exclusively breastfed for six months - even if the mother is working. This means that the child should not receive any food or liquid other than breast milk during these six months and should then continue to be breastfed alongside appropriate complementary foods until the age of two and beyond - for as long as mother and child wish.

If the mother of a fully breastfed child returns to work after just a few weeks or months, or if her child is still partially breastfed, this is therefore no reason to stop breastfeeding the baby. Regardless of whether the mother is employed or not, every mother and every child has a legally protected right to breastfeed. The necessary legal basis for this can be found in the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG).

The Maternity Protection Act applies to all (expectant) mothers who are employed. It also applies to home workers, domestic workers, marginally employed persons, female trainees and, under certain conditions, to pupils and students. The state's Maternity Protection Ordinance applies to female civil servants.

Many breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women consider breastfeeding and working incompatible and stop breastfeeding before returning to work, training or studies. The German Maternity Protection Act is on their side: breastfeeding mothers have the right to paid breastfeeding time until the child's first birthday, and employers must create suitable conditions for breastfeeding or pumping. In addition, the law contains further rules on working hours, overtime and protection against health hazards in the working environment.

Survey launched in Jena

The Jena Early Help Coordination Office would like to update the Jena BabyMap, as some breastfeeding and nappy-changing facilities in Jena have changed. To this end, a short survey was created to record the experiences and wishes of Jena parents regarding breastfeeding and nappy changing: https://survey.jena.de/index.php/839215?lang=de