Balancing work and family life can be challenging, especially for new mothers who are breastfeeding. Thankfully, the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act offers some protection. This federal legislation ensures that nursing mothers have the necessary accommodations at work.
The PUMP Act aims to help working mothers maintain a healthy balance between their jobs and the demands of motherhood. Here is what you need to know about it.
Rights granted by the PUMP Act
The PUMP Act mandates that employers provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child. This must be available for up to one year after the child’s birth. The employer must also provide a place, other than a bathroom, shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public that the employees can use to express breast milk.
The benefits of the PUMP Act extend to all hourly workers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. However, salaried employees are not covered by this law.
Potential benefits of the PUMP Act
One of the main advantages of the PUMP Act is that it aids in supporting the health and well-being of both mothers and infants. Breastfeeding has many health benefits for infants, including increased immunity and decreased risk of certain illnesses. For mothers, breastfeeding can help with postpartum recovery and can help establish a strong emotional bond with the baby.
By providing accommodations for nursing mothers, employers can foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, higher morale and reduced turnover.
Be sure you understand your rights as an employee and a parent and do not hesitate to speak up if your employer is not respecting your rights.
