Workplace

Young Black female office worker at desk with laptop computer

Returning to work presents many challenges to breastfeeding for parents who want to continue providing their own milk to their children. Most employees who are separated from their infants need accommodation so they can take breaks to pump and store their milk. In our 831 tri-county area, over 95% of parents initiate breastfeeding in the hospital but many turn to supplementation with formula milk due to the barriers they face, including a lack of support in the workplace.

Parent Resources

The resources below can provide information to help you get ready to return to work. If you need additional information or a pump, talk to a local breastfeeding professional (see webpages on Breastfeeding Support Specialists and Pumps and Insurance). If you are a WIC participant, call your local office for help; contact information is on the WIC webpage.

Breastfeeding and Returning to Work or School – California WIC magazine

Breastfeeding and Going Back to Work – Office of Women’s Health

Going Back to Work – USDA WIC

How Should You Talk to Your Employer About Nursing Breaks – U.S. Breastfeeding Committee

Lactation Accommodations for Parents – CA Dept. of Public Health

Legal Aid at Work – legal advocacy group; can help if you can’t resolve issues with your employer

Employer Resources

Nursing parents who are supported to pump at work miss less work, are more productive, and are more loyal to their company.

Lactation Support for Low-Wage Workers – California WIC Association

Business Case for Breastfeeding – Office of Women’s Health

Locations for Pumping Breaks – Office of Women’s Health

Lactation break Time and Space in all Industries – Office of Women’s Health

Investing in Workplace Breastfeeding Programs and Policies – National Business Group on Health

Resources on Workplace Lactation Law (see also our webpage on Lactation Law)

Federal and California state laws protect the rights of workers to express their milk in the workplace, but legal protection may not lead to higher breastfeeding rates. Low-wage workers, such as agricultural workers, are less likely to know about their lactation rights and to report violations by employers (see webpage on ag workers).