Laws protecting pregnancy and lactation
Creating an environment that supports breastfeeding, and chestfeeding, benefits your employees and business. It is also the law.
Federal legislation requires businesses to provide lactation support. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must provide employees with private space (not a bathroom) and time to pump. In 2022, new legislation expanded rights of nursing employees. The U.S. Department of Labor has more information.
Lactation support is good for business
Having lactation policies can help you keep employees and reduce sick time. It can also lower health care and insurance cost premiums.
The Business Case for Breastfeeding is a free program. It shows how policies can benefit businesses.
Dakota County offers worksite support
Dakota County supports worksites in creating policy and systems related to lactation. You can:
- Receive free resources, assessment tools and customized workplans.
- Get technical help from a consultant.
- Network with other organizations achieving the same goals.
To learn more and apply, visit the Worksite Wellness page. Become a recognized Breastfeeding Friendly organization
Across Minnesota, organizations are being recognized as Breastfeeding Friendly. The state offers resources to help organizations achieve their lactation support goals: