World Breastfeeding Week 2026: expressing rooms launched to support new parents

7 August 2026

A number of expressing rooms have been launched across Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies to support colleagues returning to work after having a baby.

The initiative, which has been three years in development, marks a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace for new parents.

Each room provides a dedicated, private space where breastfeeding colleagues can express milk comfortably and with dignity when they return to work.

The expressing rooms are being officially launched to coincide with World Breastfeeding Week 2026 (1-7 August).

 

 

The idea for the rooms began when Emma Arthurs, full-time Suffolk Police Federation representative, heard about the challenges a colleague faced after returning to work.

“Three years ago, a female colleague returned to work and was on a driving course. She needed somewhere to express, but when she asked the question, we quickly realised those safe, private spaces didn’t exist,” Emma explained.

Determined to find a solution, Emma took it upon herself to identify suitable spaces where colleagues could express safely and privately.

“Expressing can alleviate some of the pressure of returning to work as a full-time mum. Returning to work after having a baby is a huge transition, and having somewhere safe and comfortable can make a real difference,” she continued.

Expressing spaces

Ten locations across Norfolk and Suffolk now have designated expressing spaces, giving colleagues more choice and flexibility when planning their return to work.

The rooms are located within existing wellbeing and multi-Function Rooms, with some sites using alternative quiet spaces, such as the prayer and quiet rooms.

While these spaces are currently a practical solution within existing buildings, the aim is that future modernisation and restructuring of workplaces will include dedicated rooms designed specifically for this purpose.

“Women were using toilets to express, and that shouldn’t be the case,” said Emma. “Having rooms specifically for expressing should be a no-brainer. Nature allows this to happen, and we need to facilitate it.”

Each expressing space has been designed with comfort, privacy and dignity in mind and includes:

• A comfortable chair for relaxed use

• A basket of essentials to support expressing

• Cleaning and hygiene items

• Privacy measures, including screens and signage

The project has been made possible through partnership working between Suffolk Police Federation, UNISON, as well as colleagues across both Suffolk and Norfolk forces, demonstrating a shared commitment to supporting families in the workplace.

Wellbeing packs

Norfolk Police’s Detective Sergeant Suzi Whiting, alongside Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Co-Ordinator for Suffolk and Norfolk Police Tara Williamson-Hall, were also instrumental in the creation of the rooms.

UNISON also supported the initiative by providing wellbeing packs and useful items to help colleagues feel prepared and supported.

Some locations also have access to fridges, and cool bag lunch boxes are available for colleagues who need them.

The expressing rooms form part of the wider Family Matters workstream, which brings together support available to new and expectant parents across both forces.

 

 

Alongside the new spaces, colleagues can access the New Parents Peer Support Group, providing a safe and welcoming environment to share experiences, ask questions and connect with others navigating the transition into parenthood.

The Breastfeeding Buddies group, also known as ‘Blue Breastfeeding’, is also available for colleagues who would like additional peer support.

Emma said: “The groups are open to all parents. Although the majority of those involved have been women, we want to improve support for everyone. Becoming a parent changes your identity, but when you come to work, you are also a police officer again. You should be able to return and feel comfortable.”

Having access to expressing facilities allows colleagues to plan their return with greater confidence and reassurance.

“It’s about holistic wellbeing for mothers. These spaces provide a safe environment where people can balance their role as a parent and their role at work,” said Emma, who explained that the introduction of expressing rooms also reflects wider changes in policing and workplace culture.

Breastfeeding

“We have had policies around breastfeeding for longer than we have had places for people to breastfeed or express.

“This is about modernising policing and creating a workplace where colleagues feel supported.”

Posters and signage will be displayed at locations to help colleagues identify and access the spaces.

If you would like to learn more about accessing an expressing room, please email breastfeedingnetwork@suffolk.police.uk or to join the New Parents Peer Support Group, please contact Familymatters@norfolk.police.uk. 

If you would like to find out more about accessing an expressing room, joining the New Parents Peer Support Group, or being linked with a Breastfeeding Buddy, please contact:

Breastfeeding Network: breastfeedingnetwork@suffolk.police.uk
Family Matters: Familymatters@norfolk.police.uk

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