Nursing Mothers Break Time Supported by Academy to Promote Breastfeeding Duration

10/18/2021 - Women choosing to continue breastfeeding after returning to work should be supported was the message the Academy sent to congressional leaders in support of legislation expected to be voted on this month. The bipartisan PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act would increase access for nearly 9 million women of childbearing age that are not currently covered by the Break Time for Nursing Mothers law, the federal law that requires break time and a private space for breastfeeding employees to pump during the workday.

In addition to the Congressional Record statement, the Academy sent a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives highlighting the importance of this bill and Academy members have sent nearly 2,000 letters of support to offices through the Academy Action Center. Key aspects of the bill in are summarized in this issue brief.