Breastfeeding and Work or School
California law prohibits workplace discrimination and harassment based on SEX/GENDER (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions)
California Department of Fair Employment and Housing Notice DFEH-E07P-ENG / December 2018
For Employers
Research shows that nursing parents who get support to pump at work miss less work and are more productive and loyal to their company.
- What is the “Break time for Nursing Mothers” law?
- Lactation Accommodation:
California Labor Code Chapter 3.8 Sections 1030-1033
Código Laboral de California Sec.1030 - Breastfeeding Support FAQs for Employers
- Supporting Nursing Mothers at Work – Employer Solutions
- Steps to Creating a Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite – Business Case for Breastfeeding
For Employees
Breastfeeding parents going back to work: have you talked to your employer about this law?
- Your Rights as a Breastfeeding Employee
- How should you talk with your employer about nursing breaks?
- What to do if your employer refuses to comply?
- Lactation in the Workplace in California
Hand expression and pumping can be great tools for breastfeeding moms. Both help you provide milk for your baby when you are apart. Learn more here »
Learn how You Can Continue Breastfeeding after returning to work or school:
- Making a personal lactation plan
- Keeping up a good supply
- Do you need a pump, and how to get one
- Laws that protect a mother’s right to express milk at work
- Questions to ask you employer
- Tips for childcare providers
- And much more!
For Students
Do you need help with breastfeeding?
- Contact your health care provider or birthing hospital, especially if you have pain, fever or a concern about your baby’s well-being.
- Many health plans cover breastfeeding support.
- Alameda County Breastfeeding Support Guide (Revised 1/2021) PDF: English/Spanish | English/Chinese
- Alameda Alliance for Health – Getting a Breastfeeding Helper
- Find a Board Certified Lactation Consultant
- WIC Locations and Hours of Service