Breastfeeding employees who return to work outside the home need appropriate space and adequate time to express breastmilk. This right is protected by Vermont law. Employees need to know that when they return to work they have a place to feed their babies or pump breastmilk. Active support from the worksite and management is essential for the employee’s successful transition back to the workplace. Employers also benefit significantly from supporting breastfeeding employees through decreased employee turnover, and reduced absenteeism and healthcare costs.
Video: Pregnancy-Related Workplace Accommodations for Vermont Employees
RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES
- Establish a written policy that states your company’s support of a women’s choice to breastfeed.
- Allow the use of flexible time and breaks for expressing breastmilk.
- Provide a clean, private space (that is not a bathroom) for expressing breast milk.
- Provide lactation education through flyers, classes, or other venues.
Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Project
The Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Project recognizes Vermont worksites that provide accommodations for breastfeeding employees returning to work. For more information, please see the Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Project brochure.
Resources for Employers
- Vermont Law: Breastfeeding in Public
- Vermont Law: Workplace Support for Breastfeeding in Vermont
- Vermont Workplaces Support Nursing Moms fact sheet
- Breastfeeding Support - Solutions for your Industry
- Break Time for Nursing Mothers (US Department of Labor)
- Supporting Nursing Moms at Work: Employer Solutions
- Making It Work Toolkit – for Employers
- Sample text for basic and detailed worksite lactation policies
- Sample Breastfeeding Policy for Schools
- Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Checklist (levels of accommodation for breastfeeding employees)
Resources for Employees
- Vermont Workplaces Support Nursing Moms fact sheet
- Vermont Commission on Women publications
- US Breastfeeding Committee – Online Guide: What You Need to Know About the "Break Time for Nursing Mothers" Law
- Breastfeeding at Work
- Pumping and Breastmilk Storage
- Making It Work Toolkit – for Moms and Families
- Breastfeeding Information and Resources – for Families
For more information, download the becoming breastfeeding friendly section of the toolkit!