Pregnancy, Post-Natal & Breastfeeding Support
How can we help?
Find guidance on pregnancy support, risk assessments, workplace and study adjustments, breastfeeding facilities and returning safely following maternity leave.
TU Dublin is committed to supporting employees and students during pregnancy, after childbirth and while breastfeeding by ensuring appropriate safety arrangements are in place.
Need support or advice?
Contact the Safety, Health & Welfare Office 📧shw@tudublin.ie
For:
- Pregnancy risk assessment support
- Concerns regarding work, study or research activities
- Access to pregnancy rest facilities
- Breastfeeding facilities
Quick Links
📋 Pregnancy Risk Assessment
🧪 Higher Risk Activities
🏢Campus Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Facilities
👶 Breastfeeding Support
👥 Who is Responsible?
🚨 Report Concerns During Pregnancy
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 Internal resources
📚 External Resources & Legislation
💡 Did you know?
Pregnancy does not usually prevent someone from continuing their normal work or studies.
Most activities can continue safely with appropriate assessment, good communication and suitable controls where required.
Early notification allows TU Dublin to identify any adjustments needed to support the safety, health and wellbeing of both parent and baby.
Pregnancy Support Process
Employees and students are encouraged to contact the Safety, Health & Welfare Office as soon as they are aware of their pregnancy.
Early engagement helps identify whether any additional measures are required.
The SHW Office will:
✔ Review work, study or research activities
✔ Identify any pregnancy-related hazards
✔ Recommend appropriate controls
✔ Support Schools/Functions in implementing adjustments
✔ Arrange Occupational Health advice where required
Pregnancy Risk Assessment
A pregnancy risk assessment considers whether activities could present additional risks during pregnancy.
The assessment reviews:
✔ Work environment
✔ Teaching/research activities
✔ Laboratory or workshop activities
✔ Manual handling requirements
✔ Chemical, biological or physical hazards
✔ Emergency arrangements
✔ Individual circumstances
The assessment should be reviewed:
✔ If activities change
✔ If medical advice changes
✔ At different stages of pregnancy where required
✔ On return to work/study where appropriate
Activities That May Require Additional Review
Some activities require specific consideration during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Laboratory & Research Activities
✔ Chemicals
✔ Biological agents
✔ Human samples
✔ Radiation sources
✔ Research materials
✔ Specialist equipment
Workshops & Practical Areas
✔ Machinery
✔ Manual handling
✔ Noise/vibration
✔ Physical tasks
✔ Personal protective equipment requirements
Fieldwork & Placements
✔ Travel
✔ Remote locations
✔ Lone working
✔ Clinical environments
✔ Animal work
General Workplace Factors
✔ Workstation setup
✔ Prolonged standing
✔ Temperature
✔ Fatigue
✔ Emergency evacuation arrangements
Control Measures & Supports
Following assessment, controls may include:
✔ Adjusting activities
✔ Avoiding specific exposures
✔ Providing additional equipment
✔ Reviewing work arrangements
✔ Temporary modifications where required
✔ Occupational Health referral where appropriate
Breastfeeding Support
TU Dublin supports employees and students who wish to continue breastfeeding.
Facilities are available on campus to support:
✔ Expressing milk
✔ Safe milk storage
✔ Rest requirements during pregnancy
Facilities may include:
🪑 Nursing chair
🚰 Sink
❄️ Fridge
🍼 Sterilising equipment
🔒 Private space
Returning After Maternity Leave
Employees intending to avail of breastfeeding breaks should contact Human Resources at least four weeks before returning to work.
HR can provide information regarding:
✔ Breastfeeding breaks
✔ Entitlements
✔ Return-to-work arrangements
Who is Responsible?
Employees & Students
✔ Notify TU Dublin as early as possible
✔ Complete pregnancy risk assessment process
✔ Follow agreed safety controls
✔ Highlight changes or concerns
Managers / Heads of School / Function
✔ Support completion of assessments
✔ Implement agreed controls
✔ Maintain confidentiality
✔ Review arrangements where required
Safety, Health & Welfare Office
✔ Provide advice and guidance
✔ Review pregnancy risk assessments
✔ Recommend control measures
✔ Liaise with Occupational Health where required
Report a Concern
Please contact SHW if you have concerns regarding:
🔲 Laboratory activities
🔲 Chemical exposure
🔲 Biological agents
🔲 Manual handling
🔲 Workplace conditions
🔲 Access to suitable facilities
🔲 Emergency arrangements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell TU Dublin I am pregnant?
Early notification is encouraged so appropriate supports and assessments can be completed.
Can I continue laboratory work while pregnant?
In many cases yes. Activities should be reviewed through the pregnancy risk assessment process.
Do I need another assessment if my pregnancy changes?
Yes. The assessment should be reviewed if your circumstances, medical advice or activities change.
Where can I express breast milk?
Campus facilities are available. See:
📍 Location of first-aid/breast-feeding rooms in TU Dublin
Internal Resources
📄 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Form
📄 Pregnancy Support Process
📄 Location of first-aid/breast-feeding rooms in TU Dublin
📄 Breastfeeding Guidance
External Resources & Legislation
📚 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
📚 General Application Regulations 2007 – Protection of Pregnant, Post-Natal and Breastfeeding Employees
📚 HSA Pregnancy at Work Guidance
📚 Biological Agents and Reproductive Health Guidance
🎥 Pregnancy at Work Explained (short video)