Breastfeeding Week takes place in Luxembourg from 2 to 8 October, with this year's theme focusing on breastfeeding at work. In line with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Ministry of Health is reiterating that breastfeeding at work is a right, and that it is in the interests of employers to ensure that breastfeeding and work can be reconciled.
What the law says
In Luxembourg, the law provides that women in full-time employment are entitled to two 45-minute breastfeeding breaks per day, after making a written request to their employer. It is possible to combine these two periods in a single day. For women working part-time, the breastfeeding break is calculated proportionally to the time worked.
Women who are breastfeeding cannot be obliged to work nights, and this exemption can be extended until the child's 1st birthday.
The benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both mother and child. It's a way of providing optimal nutrition for the baby's development, growth and health. Breast milk helps protect infants against infections, reduces the risk of allergies and asthma, and has a preventive effect against the development of obesity and diabetes later in life. Breastfeeding also reduces mothers' risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding up to the age of 2 and beyond, gradually accompanied by appropriate complementary foods. The Ministry of Health promotes this recommendation and encourages mothers to breastfeed for as long as possible.
If in doubt about breastfeeding, it is advisable to discuss the matter with a gynaecologist and/or midwife.
The benefits of encouraging a breastfeeding-friendly working environment
There are a number of benefits to creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment at work. Breastfeeding women feel respected, integrated and valued in their work, which can have a positive impact on their commitment and satisfaction, as well as those of other employees. Employer support makes it easier for the mother to return to work, which helps to reintroduce employees and increase the company's productivity. Finally, these support policies enhance the attractiveness of companies as employers and benefit gender equality. We cannot afford to discriminate against breastfeeding women.
An awareness-raising campaign is being organised by the Ministry of Health to inform employers and employees about the benefits of breastfeeding and how to implement it in the workplace.
The ALBA survey
Since 1987, periodic surveys have been carried out by the Department of Health to monitor baby nutrition and, in particular, breastfeeding in Luxembourg. In 2023, the 6th national ALBA survey on the diet of Luxembourg-resident infants and young children aged 0-24 months will take place A sample of almost 6,000 children in this age group has been selected, and parents will receive a letter inviting them to take part in the ALBA 2023 survey.
The results will provide an objective assessment of trends in breastfeeding and baby feeding. Participation in this survey is very important, as it provides useful information for the development of national policies aimed at promoting good infant and young child feeding practices, in order to protect the health of future generations.
For further information on the survey, please send an e-mail to alba2023@ms.etat.lu.
Press release from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy