Are employers supose to allow you to pump breast milk at work?

Question

Is there anything in the law about pumping breast milk at work? I plan on pumping when I go to work. I was wondering if my job had to allow me to have my normal 2 breaks, plus 2 other breaks to pump, I work 10 hr days & work in IL?

I work 10 hrs & get 2 breaks - 1 20 min & 1 25 min. I eat at both of these breaks. I cannot pump in break room where we're to eat & where there's microwaves etc. infront of everyone. I wouldn't consider extra breaks to pump special treatment. That is how the baby gets fed - is by my breast milk. Don't you want to eat? I didn't think there's be so many negative comments. Breast feeding is best for baby & a natural thing.

And I would need to pump for around 20 mins, that doesn't give me enough time to pump & eat. I work 4:30am - 2:30pm - you try not eating or only eating once with them early & looong hrs.

Answer 1

Do you plan on pumping during your normal two breaks and again two more times? Just want to make sure I understand you...
I don't know about any laws, but you might present it to your employer that breastfed babies are healthier and therefore you will not need to take as much time off for a sick baby. That's a good argument for the other two periods (I don't want to call them breaks, because it's not a time for you to relax). You are doing something for the health of your baby and it should be supported by your coworkers. They would be truly immature if they felt it was some sort of "special privilege" to have time to express breastmilk, and its not like you will be doing forever. Depending on where you plan to pump, you might be able to get work done while you are pumping. My friend's lactation room had a phone and a computer. Good luck!
Edit: Why can't you eat while you are pumping? When I used to pump I read, surfed the internet, and snacked. Once you are used to it, it is easy to do get stuff done while pumping. Checkout the link below for how to pump "hands free." I'm not suggesting you pump in the breakroom with your coworkers. If you absolutely have no other alternative, just do it in your car. It's easy to do it discretely....I know, I had to do it in the parking lot of the school where I work. Again, good luck!

Answer 2

First of all I'm sorry you had to read the negative comments. Some people are just rude. I don't know about any laws that say you have to be able to take pumping breaks...but my first step would be to talk to my boss or supervisor. And it doesn't have to be somethign that's made public to everyone. Even if you just take maybe another 15 or 20 minute break. Go to the rest room and pump if need be to help with your co workers thinking you are getting fair treatment or not. Like I said...consult your supervisor about this. And you do need to be eating or else your milk can dry up! Breast feeding is the best thing for a baby...for being a hard working mom and still doing all you can to get your baby breast milk I give you props for that! You go girl!! I hope you and your boss can come to some sort of an agreement that will allow you to be able to get an adequat supply of milk for the babe!

Answer 3

NUmber one rule is that baby needs to eat. Of course nursing at the breast is better because there are some perks to it that are not available when bottle feeding such as bonding and allowing the child to determine how much to consume. But feeding breastmilk in a bottle is healthier than feeding formula. So if you cant or don't want to nurse then express yourself. Some women who choose not to nurse do loose their milk supply faster because 'other' things in life start to interfere with pump timing and the longer you go between pumping the less milk your body will make. A mother who pumps every 3 hours ends up pumping every 4 hours and then stretches it to every 5 hours and so on and after a few days or weeks starts to notice that they are grabbing more milk from the freezer then what they are freshly pumping. If you want to express only then just make sure you make it a priority.

Answer 4

I could see the 2 regular breaks + maybe one small 15 minute break. The reason I say this is if you still need to produce the same amount of milk you probably still need to pump every 3 hours. I was allowed to pump at work when I needed, but it didnt take away from my normally scheduled hours. I just shortened my lunch break and took small breaks during the day.

Answer 5

My experience has been that women who have blue collar jobs frequently are not given opportunity or proper facilities to pump. Conditions vary for women in the professions and other white collar positions. The more progressive companies recognize valued female employees and provide time and appropriate enclosures. Some companies are "in-between."

I cannot speak for the laws in various states, nor can I speak to any support from labor unions. As you have read, there is bias against time allotment for pumping.

Answer 6

I dont know about any laws.. but most employers will have a room in the nurses clinc for you to pump.

I dont think you get extra breaks.. at least i dont... That's not fair to all those other employees who arnt breast feeding...

I pump at work... i take two 15 minute breaks.. and then again at lunch.

Good Luck..

Answer 7

i don't know if they have to allow you extra breaks, but since you already get two why can't you pump during at least one of those? i would be careful about asking for special treatment at work, co-workers can get bitter about that real fast.

EDIT: i wasn't being rude, just honest. i personally would not be upset if you pumped at work, but you have to look at your co-workers and bosses' view. i know plenty of moms who breastfed while working that pumped during their alloted breaks and snacked when they could. breastfeeding is best, but it is difficult to continue when you start back at work. that is why some women supplement when they go back, me included. i'm sorry if that upset you, but i thought you wanted answers, not people simply agreeing with you. i hope that everything works out. good luck.

Answer 8

Unfortunately, the laws very by state so it is hard to say. It is worth checking out because I know some states do have laws to protect the nursing mother.

Don't listen to those with negative comments. You are doing the best thing for your child and if every mother cared so much about her child, our society would be better off!

Answer 9

I am in Florida. I was allowed, but I was so stressed out and rushed that my milk dried up.

Answer 10

did you get pregnant at work.
Why should they allow something like that.
Maybe you could attach junior while doing some typing.
Sorry if this is insensitive.
As a man I receive no special treatment. Maybe I can get a break to pump up my ego. It has been seriously bruised from living in this mixed up world.