Breastfeeding and Work Policy

Catalpa is committed to providing a supportive work environment for employees who choose to breastfeed.

Scope

This policy applies to all new mothers at Catalpa regardless of location of work or position. The policy is intended to support employees who are breastfeeding and/ or expressing breast milk while at work and contribute to fostering a supportive work environment.

Principles

Catalpa recognises that breastfeeding has many benefits for new mothers and their children. Catalpa is committed to providing a supportive work environment for employees who choose to breastfeed.

We understand that every mother has a different breastfeeding journey. Hence our policy seeks to support our staff in every possible way. We hear you. We see you. We know that it takes a village to raise a child. Our breastfeeding policy is part of our program for supporting mothers in completing their parental duties and bonding with their babies.

Provisions

General provisions

• Employees can use this policy’s provisions for one year after their child’s birth.

• Breastfeeding employees should not be disturbed with work issues when using the lactation room.

• Supervisors cannot prohibit employees from using break time for breastfeeding or expressing milk. Doing so could result in disciplinary action.

• Supervisors and Operations are obliged to communicate this policy to employees.

• All employees should support new mothers’ decisions on how they choose to nurse their babies . Any form of pressure and/ or judgmental remarks toward how mothers nurse their babies will not be tolerated.

• If an employee feels that they’ve been discriminated against by their supervisor/s for using their nursing break, they should report to Catalpa’s People & Culture Manager.

• If an employee feels that they need additional support with regard to breastfeeding their baby, they are encouraged to contact to Catalpa’s People & Culture Manager.

Lactation breaks

Employees who are breastfeeding their babies are allowed to nurse their babies in-person either at home or in the workplace or alternatively pump/express milk in the workplace.

They can take breaks whenever they need to nurse or express. A general provision for these breaks is 15 minutes; however employees should take as much additional time as they need.

This is also applicable when working from home. In the case of employees who are working from home, they are encouraged to block time for breastfeeding and indicate it in their calendar to ensure that no meetings are scheduled during their breastfeeding period.

Flexible work options

Flexible work arrangements as a result of breastfeeding needs should be negotiated and agreed with an employee's manager. Catalpa will make every effort to accommodate any requests for flexible work or leave associated with breastfeeding needs.