What is a lactation program?

A lactation program allows mothers who have returned to work after maternity leave to have break time and a private place to express breast milk for their infants. Creating a workplace lactation program, by providing unpaid break time and a private place for the expression of breast milk, might be a good opportunity for some employers to initiate a family-friendly policy at a relatively low cost.

In about half the states, laws have been enacted to provide protection for mothers who breastfeed infants. Many state laws protecting nursing mothers are very general, requiring only that a mother be allowed to breastfeed her baby in any location in which she is authorized to be (presumably including the workplace). A few states require employers to provide unpaid breaks for employees who need to express milk, unless the breaks would disrupt operations. Employers may be asked to make a reasonable effort to provide a private location for the employee that is close to the worksite (other than the toilet stall).