Breastfeeding and the Law

What Law Protects a Mother's Right to Express Milk at Work?

California Labor Code Section 1030-1033 is a law that offers protections for all working moms so that they can continue to breastfeed even after they return to work.

Employers must provide

A clean, private place,

other than a bathroom to express breastmilk.

Reasonable break time

for you to express breastmilk at work. Most mothers will need to pump 2-3 times during the work day for 20-30 minutes . If pumping takes longer than your normal break time, your employer does not need to pay you for the extra time.

For more information about your rights under the law, or to file a complaint, contact the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.

Visit www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/HowToFileBOFEClaim.htm.

Or call the the Legal Aid Society at 1-800-880-8047.