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The Affordable Care Act requires most insurance plans to cover the cost of a breast pump and breastfeeding counseling and requires many employers to provide break time for breastfeeding women (which may be unpaid) and a private space that is not a bathroom for nursing or pumping.

Support and Supplies

Family Leave and Break Time

  • Break Time for Nursing Mothers: Developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, this resource answers frequently asked questions about breaks at work for breastfeeding women.
  • Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act: This booklet from the National Partnership for Women & Families answers frequently asked questions about family leave protections and requirements.

State-Specific Laws

  • Breastfeeding state laws: The National Conference of State Legislators lists state-specific breastfeeding laws as well as information on federal requirements.
  • State-level workplace breastfeeding rights: The U.S. Department of Labor delineates the laws by state regarding employment protections for pregnant or nursing workers, protections against pregnancy discrimination, provisions for pregnancy accommodation, and workplace breastfeeding rights.