Breastfeeding Practices in NZ Childcare: Studies and Policy Insights
Breastfeeding support in early childhood settings is more than a health issue – it is a matter of equity, family wellbeing, and high‑quality practice. As more infants and toddlers enter childcare from a younger age, ECE services play an increasingly important role in protecting breastfeeding continuity, supporting mothers in paid work or study, and ensuring children receive the developmental and health benefits associated with breastfeeding.
When ECE environments are welcoming and informed, they can extend breastfeeding duration, strengthen family resilience, and uphold the principles of non‑discrimination and equal employment opportunity for women.
ECE centres are natural places for promoting breastfeeding – whether through providing space for mothers to feed on site or by supporting the safe handling and feeding of expressed breastmilk. Yet research and real‑world experiences show that not all services understand their responsibilities. The case of Liz Weatherly, who was told her nearly three‑year‑old could no longer attend if she continued breastfeeding him at the centre, highlights how misinformation and bias can lead to discriminatory practice. Her experience, and those of other mothers who felt pressured to hide their breastfeeding, underline why evidence‑based guidance and supportive policy are essential. (Weatherly, L. (2004). Complaint to the Human Rights Commission.)
Below are two key research reports that help educators, leaders, and researchers deepen their understanding of breastfeeding support in ECE and strengthen practice and policy.
REPORT 2: Breastfeeding Support in Early Childhood Centres: Practice, Policy and Research
This paper provides an overview of research evidence on the health and learning outcomes for children who are breastfed. It explores possible reasons for the apparent oversight of breastfeeding in early childhood research and in guidelines and policies for early childhood education services.
Key themes include:
- The protective health outcomes associated with breastfeeding
- The gap between research evidence and ECE policy expectations
- The need for clearer guidance for services on supporting breastfeeding families
- How breastfeeding support aligns with government goals around participation, quality improvement, and strong partnerships with parents and whānau
The report concludes by showing how breastfeeding‑friendly practices in ECE settings contribute to national priorities and strengthen relationships with families.
REPORT 2: Developing Breastfeeding-Friendly Childcare to Support Mothers in Paid Employment and Studying.
This project was completed in two stages. Stage One, prepared by Judith Galtry and Marcia Annandale, explored how New Zealand workplaces could become more breastfeeding‑friendly, focusing on employer responsibilities and the practicalities of supporting breastfeeding mothers in paid employment.
Stage Two – the focus of this report – was led by Sarah and Judith and examined breastfeeding support within two New Zealand childcare centres. It includes case studies of real practices, identifies barriers and practical solutions, offers insights into creating breastfeeding‑friendly environments, and presents draft guidelines for ECE services and administrators to support mothers who are working or studying.
A key purpose of this work was to advance equal employment opportunities for women by ensuring that childcare services actively support breastfeeding, rather than unintentionally undermining it.
For a copy of the full report click on the link here Breastfeeding Practices at Childcare Centres report
