Let’s face it—new parents already juggle a million things, and the idea of breastfeeding on top of work, finances, and life can feel completely overwhelming. In South Africa, the laws say mums should get support. But do the laws match reality? And can moms genuinely afford to breastfeed?
South African law gives new moms four consecutive months of maternity leave—usually starting around one month before the due date and extending to three months after the birth. It’s illegal to return to work within the first six weeks, unless a healthcare provider says you’re ready.
However—here’s the kicker—employers aren’t required to pay salaries during this time unless it’s in your contract or a company policy. Instead, moms can apply for benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). UIF payouts range between 38% and 60% of your salary, depending on how much you contributed before leave. Meanwhile, the application process can take 3–8 weeks, and you must reapply every month while on leave.
The law also entitles mothers to two paid 30-minute breastfeeding or expressing breaks per day—on top of lunch or tea breaks—for the first six months of a baby’s life. And employers are encouraged to provide a private, hygienic space for this purpose.
Here’s the bottom line: Can moms in South Africa afford to breastfeed? Legally, yes—but practically, it’s often an uphill battle. Gaps in pay, awareness, infrastructure, and enforcement mean many moms return to work too soon. But with proactive planning, workplace conversations, and community support, breastfeeding while working is absolutely doable.
But the reality often falls short. Many women return to work within three months due to financial strain. The lack of proper lactation facilities, supportive workplace policies, or even awareness of these rights means many stop breastfeeding entirely. Even worse, domestic and informal workers—who often need the most support—are the least likely to access maternity protections.
South African moms are advised to exclusively breastfeed for six months, in line with WHO guidelines. Yet the statistics tell the real story: only around 32% of babies under six months are exclusively breastfed, averaging less than three months of breastfeeding overall.
These low rates are linked to higher risks of malnutrition, diarrhoea, pneumonia, and even infant mortality.
Even in the system’s imperfect current state, here are some practical tips from Sr Londe – independent midwife and Vital Baby’s trusted adviser – to help moms make breastfeeding work:
- Start UIF early – Apply as soon as possible, and if your company delays or doesn’t pay you, get in touch with the Department of Labour or CCMA.
- Talk to your employer – Explain your need for breastfeeding breaks and a private space to express. Sometimes simple understanding can spark supportive changes.
- Plan financially – UIF coverage can be lean; build a budget for lower income, and explore supplements if your employer offers top-ups.
- Build a support network – Teams like family, caregivers, or nearby daycare can make daytime breastfeeding or milk drop-offs possible.
- Make expressing work for you – Learn to express efficiently and store milk smartly—room temp for up to 8 hours, longer if you have a freezer.
Breastfeeding isn’t just about health—it benefits business too. Breastfed babies are generally healthier, meaning less absenteeism, more productivity, and better staff retention. Plus, it contributes to broader goals like gender equality, economic inclusion, and improved child development outcomes.
