Articles

The Manager's Role

Scheduling Use of the Mother's Room

Breastfeeding employees will need to schedule breaks throughout the work day to use the mother's room. Though individual needs will vary, employees with infants (three months or younger) will probably need to take three breaks; while employees with older infants (four months or older) will probably only require two breaks. In general, it takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to breastfeed or pump. An employee may ask to leave the workplace in order to breastfeed her baby at a nearby care facility or home. Whatever the situation, managers will need to coordinate schedules that meet the needs of the breastfeeding mother without compromising work performance and results. This may mean coordinating with breastfeeding employees, their direct reports, and your human resources representative to schedule breaks that fit within your organization’s policies. Contact your human resources representative about break and scheduling guidelines which you should follow.

This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.

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