Exciting news, everyone: we’ve got an ice-cream van operating full-time at the CTC precinct!
Just kidding. We don’t. (Rest assured, I’m working on it. One day.)
But we have just received our official re-accreditation as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace by the Australian Breastfeeding Association. Woohoo! Move over ice-cream van, this is way more exciting – and it doesn’t have an incessant tune ruining your sanity.
Okay, excellent. Congratulations. (Thanks!).
But what does that actually mean?
Well, to begin with, it means we’ve got a shiny new certificate that we get to wave around relentlessly. We’re pretty proud of it, so maybe we’ll start giving away signed copies…
It also means that we have specific systems in place to support mothers returning to work – which we personally think is preeetty important.
In order to receive the re-accreditation, we’ve essentially had to prove we meet three criteria:
1. Space
That we provide a dedicated space for employees to comfortably breastfeed and/or express breastmilk in private. In this case, it’s our First Aid Room. Known to some as CTC’s Most Versatile Room, it’s not only fully stocked with equipment for almost every kind of emergency, but it also has a little breast-feeding nook – complete with armchair and minifridge! Fancy!
2. Time
A breastfeeding policy/statement, which provides lactation breaks so women may breastfeed or express breastmilk during working hours. Within CTC, we have a policy for our staff and strongly encourage our tenants to do the same.
3. Support
A communication plan to ensure that information regarding breastfeeding support reaches all stakeholders and normalizes breastfeeding in your work environment. Because breastfeeding is normal. Let’s hold hands and say it together. Breastfeeding is normal.
It’s important to us at CTC, to provide an open and inclusive environment for everyone. It’s something we really believe in. Yes, there’s a lovely little stack of paperwork involved in obtaining this accreditation every year (thanks Pam!) – but what it represents, is so much more valuable.
I think we can all agree that mothers face enough challenges returning to work after a new baby as it is (think: no sleep, finding a new work-life balance, no sleep).
So, offering flexible and accommodating options, allowing them to work better in the time they have, is a win-win for everyone!
I would implore any organisation to look into obtaining a breastfeeding accreditation. It’s not particularly difficult or laborious, it’s a great gesture of support to your returning employees, and really, it says a lot about what you value as a company. We’re very proud at CTC to cultivate a culture that supports everyone as best as we can – breastfeeding mothers included – so having an accreditation that recognises this, is something we’re pretty stoked about.
If you’re interested, you can find out more about a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace here: https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/workplace
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