Westmead Hospital’s Clinical Midwifery Consultant for Infant Feeding, Lynne Henry, is leading an innovative research project to enhance support for breastfeeding employees returning to work.
The project, funded by the Research and Education Network (REN) Nursing/Midwifery Kickstarter Grant, seeks to identify organisational barriers and facilitators for returning-to-work breastfeeding staff.
“I was motivated to conduct this research because of the many staff who would come to me in my position as Lactation Consultant in NICU, struggling to maintain their breastfeeding when they returned to work.” Lynne said.
The research aims to find ways to make Westmead Hospital a more breastfeeding friendly workplace.
“I will be conducting interviews with key stakeholders and performing a facility audit.”
“Steps will be taken to prepare Westmead Hospital to gain the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s (ABA) Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace (BFW) accreditation.”
The project is expected to have significant benefits, not only for staff at Westmead Hospital but also for other health facilities across the state and country.
“Breastfeeding provides essential short and long-term health and wellbeing benefits for women, infants, families, and society.”
“Returning to work is a known barrier for women to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for breastfeeding, which are exclusive breastfeeding for six months and then continued with the introduction of family foods for 2 years and beyond.”
A workplace that supports its breastfeeding employees demonstrates improved staff wellbeing and productivity, reports higher morale and less attrition and sick leave, and becomes a family friendly, progressive employer of choice.”
“The research will have far reaching benefits for health staff and facilities, improving the experience for employees and contributing to a healthier community.”
Lynne expressed her gratitude for the REN Kickstarter Grant, acknowledging its critical role in supporting her work.
“Thank you so much to WSLHD and REN for their generous support through the researcher grant.”
Their contribution plays a pivotal role in enabling this innovative research and supporting the Westmead Hospital workforce.”
“I am excited to move forward with this project and am deeply grateful for the opportunity that they have provided.”