Breastfeeding After Returning to Work

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Today, most doctors recommend that women breastfeed their newborns. Breastfeeding offers mothers and their new babies several benefits. Benefits to mothers include:

• Decreased risk of type II diabetes
• Decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer
• Decreased risk of post-partum depression
• Breastfeeding saves money because you don’t have to buy formula
• More days are spent at work because babies are sick less

Breastfeeding also offers many benefits to babies, these include:

• Breast milk contains antibodies which prevent your baby from getting sick
• Breast milk is easier on babies stomachs than formula
• Breast milk helps fight disease. Babies who are fed formula have higher risks of asthma, obesity, type II diabetes
• Breast milk helps babies grow because it is high in protein.

The Law and Breastfeeding Mothers Returning to Work

Did you know that recent changes in public policy afford new mothers protections when they return to work? 

On March 23, 2010, when the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)  was signed, new mothers were afforded new protections in the workplace. Section 4207 of the PPACA made some important changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and required that employers: 

• Provide reasonable break time for the expression of breast milk at work
• Provide a non-bathroom place for new mothers to pump breast milk 
• Allow for these accommodations for one year after the birth of the child

Talking to your Employer about Breastfeeding in the Workplace

Bringing a baby into the world is exciting and a time for celebration. Talking to your employer about pumping breast milk on your return to work may seem uncomfortable. Here are some topics that you may want to discuss with your supervisor before you return to work.

• Let your supervisor know that you plan to pump breast milk while at work 
• Explain that this means that you may need two or three ten to fifteen minute breaks during the normal workday
• Explain the benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby
• If your job is close to your baby, ask your supervisor if you can go feed your baby on your lunch break
• Work with your supervisor to find a private and appropriate place to pump breast milk in the workplace. Many workplaces do not have a specific lactation room. Some suggested places to pump are, an office with a door, a conference room or a little used closet or storage area. Explain that the room must be private, secure and contain an electrical outlet
• Let your supervisor know that breast milk needs to be refrigerated after it is pumped. Ask if you can use the refrigerator.

If your employer has any questions, you can direct them to The Business Case for Breastfeeding found at www.womenshealth.gov. 

How to Pump at Work

Pumping in the work environment can be challenging. Here are some tips for getting your milk to let down from the milk ducts:

• Relax as much as you can
• Massage your breasts and nipples
• Try and picture the milk flowing down
• Bring an item that reminds you of your baby; a picture, blanket or an item of clothing that smells like your baby.

Where To Go if Your Employer is Resistant to Pumping at Work

The new protections from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act have made it much easier for new mothers to pump at work. However, some employers may be resistant to the change. If any issues should arise, complaints can be filed with your state’s Department of Labor.

Workers in Connecticut:

Workers outside of Connecticut:

More Information on Breastfeeding and Pumping at Work

Questions? 

Please contact pumpingatwork@gmail.com

Resources

American Academy of Family Physicians. (2013). Breastfeeding, Family Physicians Supporting. Accessed September 14, 2013 at http://www.aafp.org/about/policies/all/breastfeeding-support.html.

United States Breastfeeding Committee. (2013). Workplace Support in Federal Law. Accessed September 14, 2013 at http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/Employment/WorkplaceSupport/WorkplaceSupportinFederalLaw/tabid/175/Default.aspx.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. (2010). Breastfeeding: Why Breastfeeding is Important.  Accessed September 14, 2013 at http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/why-breastfeeding-is-important/.

U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. (2010). Breastfeeding: Going Back To Work. Accessed October 23, 2013 at http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/going-back-to-work/.

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. (2013). Frequently Asked Questions – Break Time for Nursing Mothers. Accessed September 14, 2013 at http://www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers/faqBTNM.htm. 

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