Pumping at Work

Ashley F., BFPC

Updated November 18, 2024 23:01

I want to pump at work for my baby, but I’m nervous about talking with my boss. Will I be allowed to pump at work?

It's important to talk to you employer about pumping at work so they can respect your rights and make the required accommodations. Submitting this Accommodation Form to your employer is a great way to start the conversation!

Lactating moms have legal rights to pump at work. Know your rights!

The PUMP Act is new Federal lactation law under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that provides Protections for Employees to Pump Breast Milk at Work.

The Law declares that:

- Most nursing workers are entitled to reasonable break time and a private space to pump at work for up to one year after their child's birth.
- Most employers are required to provide covered employees with space that is functional for pumping milk, shielded from view, free from intrusion, available as needed and not a bathroom.

In addition...

- Pumping time counts as time worked when calculating minimum wage and overtime if an employee is not completely relieved from their work duties during the pumping break. (Employee does not need to clock out if pumping during typical paid 15-minute breaks.)
- Employees can now report complaints to the Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division. There are also legal grounds for lawsuit against an employer that violates the law.
- Workers who aren't given these rights are safeguarded from employers taking revenge or penalizing them (such as firing, cutting pay, demoting, etc.) for needing to pump.

For practical suggestions on returning to work, click here.