More and more Belgian workers want to continue breastfeeding when they resume work. But is that allowed? And what facilities should you as an employer offer to employees who want to pump milk in the workplace?

Of course. Female employees are also entitled – in addition to maternity protection – to breastfeeding breaks until nine months after the birth of their child. If you work four hours a day, you can take a half-hour break. Is an employee working at least seven and a half hours a day? Then she can pause once for an hour or twice for half an hour each time. The employee shall receive a benefit from the health insurance fund for the breaks.

In principle, the employee must inform you two months in advance if she wants to take breastfeeding breaks. During the period in which she takes the breaks, she will provide you with a monthly medical certificate proving that she is breastfeeding.

You should provide a room where employees can breastfeed or pump discreetly and hygienically in your company’s building. Some minimum requirements apply:

• cold and hot water is available;
• there is a comfortable chair and refrigerator available;
• the room is enclosed – there are no windows for colleagues to see through – and is located in an inconspicuous place;
• the room is big enough;
• the room is adequately ventilated, illuminated, and heated.

The space is set up after consultation with the Health and Safety Officer or occupational physician. If the first aid room meets the above conditions, it can be used as a breastfeeding room.

You must provide a suitable space for pregnant workers, too. They should be able to lie down and rest comfortably there. Many organisations use the breastfeeding room or first aid room for this purpose.