Returning To Work
A little support makes a big difference! As a working mom, you have a right to regular breaks and a private place to express milk other than a bathroom.
COVID-19 Workplace Rights
Your COVID-19 Workplace Rights: Pregnancy and Lactation has been published by the US Breastfeeding Committee affiliated Workplace Support Constellation with support from the Center for Worklife Law. This document provides frequently asked questions with answers and resources to assist the pregnant, breastfeeding or breast pumping worker as they navigate the challenges and opportunities in the workplace.
Workplace Breastfeeding Issues in the News
Helpful Links
Breastfeeding & Returning to Work (English pdf, 240 KB)
Lactancia y el Regreso al Trabajo (Spanish pdf, 240 KB)
Pregnant, Postpartum and Breastfeeding Workers published by ACLU Delaware, 2022
Nursing employees from worker.gov reviewing rights of nursing employees from the Department of Labor, 2022
Harvard Business Review published an excellent summary on the why and how of supporting breastfeeding employees.
https://hbr.org/2019/04/how-companies-can-support-breastfeeding-employees
United States Breastfeeding Committee page on Workplace Support in Federal Law
It’s Only Natural – Breastfeeding and back to work (video) – African American mothers discuss planning and talking with your employer
Breastfeeding Benefits Coverage in the Affordable Care Act Toolkit from National Women’s Law Center (pdf,11 pages) includes:
- An explanation of the law
- Sample scripts & letters for contacting insurers about coverage of breastfeeding equipment (including PUMPS) and lactation care
- Q & A section
Air Travel?
Here’s a link to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) policy about exempting breast milk from the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule. Moms can carry a copy of this policy to show TSA staff that expressed breast milk is allowed as a carry on. Moms may also want to check with their individual airlines regarding regulations regarding carrying a breast pump.
Workplace Support
Does your workplace support breastfeeding or not? Tell us about it! Contact COBA or the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
