Did you know, that more than 80% of new mothers in the U.S. begin breastfeeding and more than half of new mothers are in the workforce? In consequence it is required by federal law for businesses to allow a break time for nursing mothers. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148, known as the “Affordable Care Act”) amended section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) to require employers to provide “reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for one year after the child’s birth each time such employee has need to express the milk.” Employers are also required to provide “a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk.” See 29 U.S.C. 207(r). This protection allows nursing mothers to feel comfortable while still working. To read more in depth about this subject, click here.
If you or your company have questions or a legal matter related to nursing mothers in the workplace, employment or labor law issues, please contact Anderson Jones Attorneys by email or phone at (919) 277-2541.