New partnership aims to improve return-to-work conditions for frontline mothers

Over the next 12 months, 50 support boxes will be donated to women taking maternity leave within the East of England Ambulance Service.

The initiative is led by Naomi Saunders, founder of The Expert Link and workplace wellbeing business Harbour, in collaboration with paramedic Josephine Brown. It responds to ongoing challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers, particularly ambulance staff who often lack privacy and facilities to pump and store milk during demanding shifts.

Through partnerships with several brands, including MAM Baby UK, 50 wearable breast pumps will be donated alongside additional support items. Supporting organisations include Active Iron, HiPP UK, Lansinoh, Carifit, Vitabiotics and HotTea Mama, with MAM Baby UK providing the MOVE wearable pumps.

Naomi Saunders highlighted the need for better workplace support for breastfeeding mothers, noting the added pressures of frontline roles. Through Harbour, she also plans to track the experiences of recipients and provide ongoing guidance on breastfeeding, milk storage and maternal wellbeing.

Josephine Brown said the initiative addresses long-overlooked challenges faced by women returning to frontline roles, particularly in unpredictable and physically demanding ambulance work. She hopes it will spark wider conversations about how to better support working mothers. “We hope this initiative not only provides practical support, but also encourages wider conversations about what working mothers genuinely need to thrive in the workplace.”

Both founders hope the programme is the start of broader change, calling for greater awareness, improved workplace support and long-term cultural shifts to help mothers return to work with confidence and without compromising their wellbeing.