Session on New Breast-feeding Policy in Digby

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission will hold an information session on its new breast-feeding policy on Wednesday, Nov. 15, in Digby.

"We want to give retailers, employers, health professionals, service providers and human resources professionals an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the policy through the presentations and discussions at these sessions," said Mayann Francis, executive director of the commission.

The policy was released this spring and affirms a woman's right to breast-feed in public. It is modeled after a similar policy developed for Ontario's human rights commission. The policy states that women can't be told or made to feel compelled to move to a more discreet area to breast-feed. The policy also states that women who need to breast-feed while working should be accommodated as long as the employer does not suffer undue hardship.

"Some moms may prefer to breast-feed on a bench in the shopping mall, others may like a quiet space," said Ms. Francis. "We suggest service providers simply ask breast-feeding moms how they can best accommodate their needs. In the workplace, employers and employees will need to work together on a solution that is satisfactory to everyone. Sometimes breast-feeding in the workplace will be possible, sometimes it won't be. We expect there will be give and take."

The information session on Nov. 15 takes place from noon to 1 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 92 Mount St. in Digby. The commission held sessions in Halifax during the summer and will also hold a session in Sydney in November.

The commission is open to calls from service providers and employers to explain and discuss the policy. The commission's inquiry line is 902-424-4111 or toll-free 1-877-269-7699.

"It is my hope and my expectation that common sense will prevail in situations involving moms who want to breast-feed their children," said Ms. Francis. "Through respectful dialogue much can be accomplished."

For more information on the Nov. 15 session, please contact the commission at 902-245-4791.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a copy of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission breast-feeding policy e-mail <[email protected].>