Businesses will be encouraged to provide facilities for mums to breastfeed in the workplace under new plans to be unveiled by the Government this week.
The legislation could mean that firms will have to provide private areas for nursing, separate fridges and cool boxes for the storage of expressed milk, and paid break-times for mums to feed or express.
The Health Secretary Andrew Lansley says the plans will increase the numbers of working class mums who nurse their babies. The figures currently stand at 66 per cent compared to 88 per cent of professional women.
He said: 'Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to give babies good health, but society doesn't always make it easy. If we can make it easier more mums would breastfeed and they might do it longer, giving their kids the best start.'
Critics claim the move will hit businesses already struggling in the wake of the recession. The former MP Ann Widdecome said: 'I could absolutely weep. It is not appropriate for the state to micro-manage our lives.'
What do you think?
Is this a good idea - should women be able to feed in the workplace?
Or should nursing mums stay at home?