State Laws on Exclusive Breastfeeding & Going Back to Work
California
In California, state laws support exclusive breastfeeding for working mothers.
Under California Labor Code section 1030, employers are required to provide reasonable break time for employees to express breast milk for their infant child. Employers must also make reasonable efforts to provide a private space, other than a bathroom, for employees to express milk. This space should be shielded from view and free from intrusion by coworkers and the public.
Additionally, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination against employees who breastfeed or express milk in the workplace. This means that employers cannot retaliate against employees for taking breaks to breastfeed or express milk.
Overall, California state laws acknowledge the importance of supporting working mothers who choose to breastfeed their infants. By providing adequate break time and a private space for expressing milk, employers in California can help promote the health and well-being of both mothers and their children.
