Government is preparing legislation to provide greater workplace support for breastfeeding mothers.
Speaking at the Breastfeeding Association of Trinidad and Tobago’s Annual Breastfeeding Walk on Saturday, Health Minister, Dr. Lackram Bodoe said Government has been discussing measures to create more breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.
“There is something on the agenda coming forward in the new parliamentary term that will speak to additional time for mothers who are breastfeeding at the workplace. That will take place. So I want to put all employers on notice that that is going to come.”
The Minister also provided an update on long-standing efforts to establish a Human Breast Milk Bank, saying discussions dating back to 2017 are being revived with support from regional and international partners.
“I’ve mandated the relevant department to work at a pace to see if we can refresh and renew. And I’m happy to announce that we’re trying. I can’t announce the Breast Milk Bank yet, but I’m happy to announce that major steps have been taken through our partners, including PAHO, to try and restart the conversation.”