Breastfeeding integration increases in Finnish workplaces following family leave reform

Breastfeeding is increasingly integrated into the workday at various workplaces in Finland, a trend influenced by the family leave reform that came into effect in 2022. One of the primary goals of this reform was to promote a more equitable distribution of parental leave between parents, which often results in mothers returning to work while still breastfeeding.

Anniina Koskipalo, a cleaning industry entrepreneur and CEO, shares her experience of bringing her 10-month-old daughter, Taika, to work. She explained that Taika attends daycare for part of the week, but for the rest, she is present in the office, demonstrating a unique mother-daughter work partnership. Koskipalo emphasized that breastfeeding would continue, as Taika refused to drink from a bottle.

Koskipalo has found that the presence of her baby adds a sense of humanity to the workplace, with both clients and colleagues reacting positively to the breastfeeding arrangement. While she acknowledges that there have been instances requiring additional planning—like when she needs to provide bids on larger contracts—her coworkers have been supportive, stepping in to help when necessary.

In Finland, there is currently no legislation mandating paid breastfeeding breaks or related provisions, unlike in Norway or Estonia. However, many companies are beginning to establish set guidelines to accommodate breastfeeding in the workplace. The rise of shared discussions about this issue highlights its importance as a matter of equality, especially in the predominantly female welfare sector.

Moreover, as the involvement of fathers in parental leave increases, businesses are adjusting to the changing dynamics of family life. Retailer Ari Piiroinen from Lappeenranta suggests creating a quiet breastfeeding area in the workplace, indicating a shift towards family-friendly policies within corporate cultures.