SUN CSA Laos recently surveyed 229 staff from 42 organisations. We asked their knowledge of their workplace policies and practices for breastfeeding. The results of the survey were positive, with improvements in knowledge and breastfeeding at work compared to last year, but there are still some key improvements to make in workplaces’ support for breastfeeding.
Staff Workplace Breastfeeding Survey in October 2023
- 229 staff surveyed (50%f)
- 42 organisations (19 CSOs, 19 INGOs)
- Staff from 16 provinces
STAFF KNOWLEDGE of Workplace Breastfeeding Policies
- 59% of staff know their workplace breastfeeding policy (up by 20% from last year).
- 51% said maternity leave was 3 months, 30% said 6 months.
- 13% said they didn’t know if staff received lactation breaks.
- 28% said they didn’t know how long paternity leave was.
EXPERIENCES of Breastfeeding Staff at Work
- Only 45% of breastfeeding staff have breastfed at work, (a 15% improvement from last year).
- 20% of breastfeeding staff said they breastfed for 1-3 months.
- 40% of breastfeeding staff said they breastfed for 3-6 months.
- 40% of breastfeeding staff said they breastfed of 6-9 months.
- None said they breastfed for longer than 9 months
Asked why staff don’t breastfeed or express milk at work:
- 25% said they needed to travel for work.
- 25% said they were embarrassed or concerned they would disturb their colleagues.
- 20% said there was not appropriate space or facilities.
- 6% said there was no policy to support breastfeeding at work.
- 6% said they lived close to the office so returned home to breastfeed.
SUN CSA Laos encourages all organisations and workplaces to implement the 10 Steps for Workplace Breastfeeding in Laos.
Further details from the ‘Staff Survey of Workplace Breastfeeding Practices’ will be shared soon. Please contact the Secretariat for further results for your workplace.
