Role of Legislation in Supporting Pregnant and Breastfeeding Employees in the Workplace

Overview

Expert organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize that human milk is the ideal food for infants. Exclusive breastfeeding/human milk feeding is recommended for the first 6 months, with introduction of complementary foods and continued human milk feeding until two years of age or beyond, as mutually desired by the dyad. For many parents who choose or must go back to work, however, continued human milk feeding is more challenging due to inadequate support in workplace, lack of knowledge of laws, the work culture and its demands, and/or logistics. 

Research shows that businesses that support their employees during pregnancy or when breastfeeding or pumping at work, have happier, more loyal, and satisfied employees. There are also financial benefits for these businesses. Cost savings are realized from: increased retention of experienced employees; reduction in sick time taken by both parents for infant’s illnesses; and lower health care and insurance costs. Recently new federal laws were passed and NY laws were revised to better protect and support pregnant and breastfeeding employees. 

There is a need to increase awareness and knowledge of these laws among employers and employees, but also among healthcare providers, public health workers, advocates, and the broader community to help inform and support pregnant and breastfeeding people in the workplace.