Resources for Returning to Work

Workplace Guide: Rights of Breastfeeding Employees

Federal law protects breastfeeding rights; however some states have their own protection. “Workplace Lactation Laws” Features an interactive map with information on laws that impact breastfeeding employees in each state.
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See Talking to Your Boss About Your Pump - Delaware. 
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​The U.S. Department of Labor compiled compliance assistance materials on the Break Time for Nursing Mothers provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act. 
​ Key Links:​
Online Guide to Workplace Support:

This guide provides federal workplace support resources in an easy-to-understand format to ensure all moms have the information they need to make working and breastfeeding a success. It was designed to help employees understand their rights as a breastfeeding mom in the workplace and serve as a break time resource for families and employers with questions about the law.
Contents include: 
  1. Are the breaks paid or unpaid?
  2. Who is covered by the law?
  3. What if your state already has a law?
  4. Who is in charge of enforcing the law?
  5. What are the benefits to employers?
  6. How should you prepare to go back to work?
  7. How should you talk to your employer about nursing breaks?
  8. What does the undue hardship exemption mean for employees?
  9. What are the space requirements?
  10. How much time is "reasonable"?
  11. How often can you pump during the workday?
  12. How long do you have the right to pump at work?
  13. How should you store your breast milk?
  14. What equipment and supplies do you need?
  15. What are creative solutions for break time and space?
  16. What do you do if your employer refuses to comply?
  17. Where should you go for help?
  18. What other resources are available?



Creation of this content was funded in part by a contract with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health.