Fact Sheet #73A: Space Requirements for Employees to Pump Breast Milk at Work under the FLSA March 2025 Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as amended by the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (the PUMP Act), most nursing employees have the right to reasonable break time and a private place to pump breast milk while at work. This right is available each time. Lactation room at the US Department of Labor, 2016 A lactation room (or lactorium) is a private space where a nursing mother can breastfeed.
They may include breast pumps. The development is mostly confined to the United States, which is unique among developed countries in providing minimal maternity leave. A bathroom is not an allowable location for lactation space, even if it's a single-occupancy private restroom.
What Should a Lactation Room Include? The PUMP Act requires that private lactation space for nursing employees be " functional as a space for expressing breast milk." What is "functional space" for breastfeeding employees? Why are there so many names for a lactation space at work? Lactation room, lactation lounge, mothers room, nursing room, and many others. You may be surprised that they all have unique definitions, but they serve the same purpose.
Explore guidelines for designing lactation/wellness rooms in work and public spaces that are easy to use and offer comfort and respect to mothers. Discover "what is a lactation room" and more as we explore legal requirements, design ideas, and best practices for workplace inclusivity. Lactation Room Requirements F or many years lactation rooms have been recognized as a building amenity with advantages for both employer and employee.
Benefits include increased workplace diversity, improved children's health, reduced absenteeism and increased productivity. Understand lactation room requirements for breastfeeding employees. Learn about legal obligations, design tips, and cost.
Discover what makes a space breastfeeding-friendly and get tips for confident public breastfeeding from IBCLCs. Advocate for your comfort and rights. in public and in private wherever you are in the US? about your breastfeeding rights.