Return to Work or School

Over 90 percent of Oregon mothers begin breastfeeding. When they return to work or school, time and space to express their breast milk during the work day helps them continue to give their best to both their work and their baby.

Workplace Support

Workplace support for lactating employees creates a 3:1 return on investment through:

Lower health care costs
Lower turnover rates
Lower absenteeism rates because babies fed human milk are healthier and their parents are less likely to miss work. One-day absences occur half as often among parents whose infants are fed by human milk.
Higher productivity and company loyalty. Gestational parents who get workplace support are also more likely to return from family leave.

Strategies that help parents continue human milk feeding

Time and space to express milk during the day*
Paid family leave**
On-site or nearby childcare
A caregiver who brings baby to the lactating parent at work to feed
Allowing babies in the workplace
Flexible work arrangements such as part-time work, flexible scheduling, or extended family leave
Offering professional lactation services and support

Resources for Employers

Lactation policies

A clear policy can:

Ensure that all employees have access to consistent support of both reasonable time and private space for expressing milk
Define the roles and responsibilities for both supervisors and workers
Build a worksite culture that normalizes lactation support as an accepted part of work-life balance to ensure that parents do not face harassment or embarrassment
Allow information sharing during employee orientations and in employee handbooks

Sample Policies

In Oregon, policies need to align with both federal and Oregon lactation accommodation laws.

Lactation support

Supporting Nursing Moms at Work: Employer Solutions
Cost-effective tips and solutions for any industry setting.
Babies at Work

Resources for Working Parents

Going Back to Work, USDA WIC Breastfeeding Support
What to Expect When You're Expecting, Department of Labor
Breastfeeding and Going Back to Work, Office of Women's Health
Breastfeeding and Returning to Your Workplace, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Breastfeeding Helpline
1-800-994-9662, Available in English and Spanish
Pumps and lactation support are covered by insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

There are a variety of ways to find a pump – through private insurance or Medicaid. If you are unable to obtain a pump through your insurance and are eligible for WIC, please contact WIC about options.
Lactation support: Health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding. These services may be provided before and after birth. Learn more here.

Pumping and Storing Human Milk

Pumping and Storing Milk, Office of Women's Health
Pumping Breast Milk, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Talking to Your Boss About Your Pump, The Center for WorkLife Law. Guides available in English and Spanish.
Breast Pumps, Food and Drug Administration
Human Milk Storage Guidelines, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

*Laws – Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Lactation

**Paid Leave Oregon

Photo courtesy of USBC