Breastfeeding Support
The University supports students and staff who wish to breastfeed their baby while they participate i
n work or study on campus. Women are welcome to breastfeed their babies wherever they feel comfortable on campus. There are also rooms available for those who prefer a private space for breastfeeding. You can find out more in our Breastfeeding on University Premises Policy, or join the WSU Breastfeeding Support Facebook Group.
Accredited Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace
Western Sydney University is accredited by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace. The ABA supports and encourages women who wish to breastfeed or provide breastmilk for their babies. ABA services include a free 24/7 Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800 686 268, LiveChat via www.breastfeeding.asn.au, breast pump hire, mum2mum app, antenatal education and many resources.
Parental and breastfeeding facilities on campus
The following rooms are available for students, staff and visitors and can be used by parents for breastfeeding or for changing or caring for children. Rooms have facilities including a fridge, sink and access to power. Staff and students who need to warm bottles will need to bring their own equipment, although hot water is available in rooms.
Campus | Location | Room Type |
Bankstown | Building 1.G.07 | Parents Room |
Building 2.G.068 | Womens Room | |
Blacktown (Nirimba) | Building U10.1.26 | Parents Room |
Campbelltown | Building 2.G.35 | Womens Room |
Building 21.G.39 | Parents Room | |
Building 30.1.07 | Parents Room | |
Macarthur Clinical School | Building X7.G.38 | Parents Room |
Hawkesbury | Building K4.G.20 | Parents Room |
Building K4.G.79 | Womens Room | |
Kingswood | Building N.G.11 | Parents Room |
Building N.G.13 | Womens Room | |
Liverpool City | Building 3.1.15 | Womens Room |
Building 3.1.18 | Parents Room | |
Parramatta City | Building 1.1.33 | Womens Room |
Building 1.1.34 | Parents Room | |
Parramatta South | Building EB G.16 | Womens Room |
Builing EHa.L63 | Parents Room |
Checklists for Staff
The following checklists guide managers and supervisors on how to support breastfeeding employees. The checklists identify key areas of discussion and consideration to help reach an arrangement that suits the needs of the breastfeeding employee and the operational needs of the workplace.
Employee going on maternity leave & pre-adoptive employee
Ideally, the workplace should discuss breastfeeding support for parents before an employee takes maternity leave. Also, it is important to remember that an employee adopting a child may intend to breastfeed the adopted child, therefore may require similar support arrangements.
As soon as the manager or supervisor is notified of an employee’s intention to take maternity leave, we suggest they take the following steps:
☐ | Discuss the employee’s expected needs prior to leave and ensure the employee is aware of the support available within the University, as an accredited Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace |
☐ | Highlight the University’s breastfeeding policy and advise of the availability of lactation breaks |
☐ | Discuss the full range of leave arrangements and workplace flexibility options |
☐ | Highlight the location of, and facilities in, breastfeeding rooms: Facilities listed below. |
☐ | Discuss any formal or informal procedures in place to stay in touch with employees on maternity leave. Consider extending an invitation to bring the baby in to meet the team |
☐ ☐ | Provide a blank copy of a Lactation Break Agreement form for discussion and finalisation on their return to work Diarise regular contact with the employee to check in regarding transition back to the workplace |
Following the employee’s return to work from leave:
☐ | Finalise the Lactation Break Agreement, if required. |
☐ | Ask the employee to advise when their needs change so that the Lactation Break Agreement can be amended / ceased accordingly. |
New employees
Managers and supervisors are to inform new employees to the workplace of available supports for breastfeeding mothers. The points below are a guide if further information is required:
☐ Advise of the University’s breastfeeding policy and provide a blank copy of a Lactation Break Agreement form for discussion and finalisation, if required.
☐ Discuss leave arrangements and workplace flexibility options
☐ Advise of availability of lactation breaks and breastfeeding room locations
