Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Certification

Women's Health Action has developed a certification for employers to become a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace. GE Money in Auckland was the first NZ Employer to be awarded the certificate in August 2008.

 Terry Buckingham, Environmental Health and Safety Leader for GE Money contacted Women's Health Action to ensure their new office in Tangihua St, was breastfeeding friendly at the same time Women's Health Action was developing a standard to audit workplaces.

 GE Money discovered that it was more than just having a Carers Room and policy in place. To support women breastfeeding the workplace culture needed to reflect that and good communication was necessary to make that support visible.

Innovation was the key to GE Money's quick success as GE adapted forms and procedures already in place to meet the required standard.

Sue Zimmerman from the Ministry of Health presented the certificate to Trish Meakin HR Director and Terry Buckingham pictured Louise James cut the ribbon to the new Carers room which is now a model of best practice for employers supporting breastfeeding. The certificate lasts for two years when a subsequent audit will be made to re certify.