We have a new mother who has just returned to work following a 6 month maternity leave. Other than a new mothers risk assessment are there any any other things I should be doing to ensure she is healthy and safe during her working days? We have a low risk work place (small office, 25 people) located on the first floor of a newly constructed (2009) building. Many thanks in advance of your comments.

Thank you, I was hoping for a more personal experience view point.

As adamtral says, a privacy room and a fridge in which to keep the breast milk if the mother is expressing. My wife fed both of ours for around 16 months both times and couldn't have done so without the co-operation of her employer to provide these simple things. I think she had access to the first aid room, into which they'd placed a small fridge specifically for the purpose. Plus the support of her team to manage workloads etc.

Hi Some really good answers here. One thing I will say is the more support you can give the better in the long run but it has to be sensible!!! Make sure that you have monthly meetings with the person to discuss their work, their environment and their general well being over the next 6 months, you will be surprised what talking to a different face who is not part of their team can bring out in someone. Also when you speak with them don't make it all about the baby some women when they return to work do so to regain their individuality, (to be known as Sue not as Baby's mum) One other thing the monthly meetings with the person will allow you to keep an eye out for any post natal depression. Not everyone gets it but it does exist and its bloody horrible. Hope this helps

i've just returned after 12 months off with number 2, i would say the main thing you need to do is review the contract with her, and her working hours. There are going to be days where she has had a bad night, or been up all night with a sick baby, or the childminder has rang last minute to say they are running late or just not turning up. This personally happens to me and I feel something that others in the office think i'm making it up. The new mother will be stressed enough leaving a 6 month old at home, so perhaps flexable working hours to begin with until a routine is established? I personally have returned to work 2 school days to fit in with my life in general (that and the fact that I pay for school as it is, and the child minder, if I had to add after school care and an additional 2 hours childminder fees, I may as well not work). Defo as Georgiec said, meetings to see how she is doing in a work capacity, if the work load is too much at the moment, and to keep an eye on the post natal depression, this can strike at any time.