Session on New Breast-feeding Policy in Sydney

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission will hold a session on its new breast-feeding policy on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in Sydney.

"We want to give retailers, employers, health professionals, service providers and human resources professionals an opportunity to gain 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 to do so 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. 14 takes place from noon to 1 p.m. at the Days Inn, 480 King Rd., Sydney. The commission held sessions in Halifax during the summer and will also hold a session in Digby 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. 14 session, please contact the commission at 902-563-2140.

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