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Returning to Work

Resources for the Pumping & Chestfeeding / Breastfeeding Parent

As a pumping or breastfeeding / chestfeeding parent, there's so much to plan for when you make your return to work. Our free toolkit includes guidance and checklists to help you navigate this challenging time with more ease.

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Your Rights

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Maine’s Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Law requires employers to provide:

Reasonable break time to breastfeeding employees to express milk
- Note that this time may be unpaid or your employer can require you to use
  paid break and/or meal times to express milk
A functional space that is NOT a bathroom each time they need to express

In an ideal world, you would be provided with a private room to pump, with a locking door and a clear sign-up system. At many companies, however, this is not possible, and your employer may need to use a less desirable location such as a storage closet or shared conference room.

In Maine, these protections apply for three years after the birth of a child.

Employers may not retaliate or discriminate against you for exercising your right to pump while at work.

Potential Limitations

Notably, there is a chance your employer may be exempted from this law, if providing time or an appropriate private space would substantially disrupt the employer’s operations. If you are facing resistance, and think your company may fall into this category, you may need to be proactive in brainstorming solutions and presenting them to your supervisor.

If you’re not being supported:

First, speak to your HR representative. Summarize any verbal commitments in a follow-up email to create a paper trail.

If speaking to HR does not resolve the issue, contact:

The Maine Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division
207-623-7900 or (TTY) 1-800-794-1110

Does your workplace do a great job of supporting lactating employees?

Do you think they should be recognized?

LEARN ABOUT OUR RECOGNITION PROGRAM

If you need help reaching the requirements, please contact us at info@mainebreastfeeds.org and we’ll be happy to support you along the way!

THE LATEST

FROM OUR BLOG

Blog

Pumping & Storing Milk at Work

We recommend creating a scheduling and experimenting with your pumping routine, and be sure you have the right equipment to make it a bit easier.

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Stocking Up On Milk

Start preparing to pump at work about 6 weeks before your return date by pumping and freezing milk. You really only need enough milk for the first day you and your baby are separated, plus some extra as a cushion!

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Your Back to Work Plan After Having a Baby

Creating a back to work plan and discussing it with your supervisor before your return to work can greatly increase the likelihood of a positive return-to-work experience for both you and your employer.

Read More →