The federal Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act has been in effect since December 2022. It’s important for employers to not only comply with the law, but to also create an inclusive workplace culture where breastfeeding is valued. When leadership and managers exhibit positive, accepting attitudes, the workforce recognizes they need to do so as well.
Here are some tips and information for creating a breastfeeding-friendly workplace:
- Know what is required by law. Understand the rights of lactating employees and get answers to frequently asked questions.
- Communicate that your workplace is breastfeeding-friendly. Ensure all employees understand why breastfeeding is important, and what it takes to successfully pump at work. Create a written lactation accommodation policy and communicate this benefit to all employees.
- Leaders and supervisors should recognize the return on investment. Employees are more likely to return to their jobs after childbirth when employers articulate their support for the employee’s breastfeeding choice. This means the retention of experienced employees; the reduction in sick time taken by parents for children’s illnesses; and lower health care and insurance costs.
- Provide ongoing support to breastfeeding employees. Supervisors should work with breastfeeding employees to make sure the accommodations help them reach their breastfeeding goals.
- Offer education and expert guidance. Providing breastfeeding employees with access to resources and a lactation consultant can help them feel more prepared to breastfeed and allow them to address any issues they have while trying to initiate or continue breastfeeding.
- Provide flexible breaks. Pumping sessions usually take around 15 minutes plus time to get to and from the lactation room. Breastfeeding employees typically need no more than an hour per work day to express milk. But if more time than expected is needed, which can be the result of a variety of reasons, consider offering employees the flexibility to come in early or stay late, or to use a portion of their lunch period to make up time.