Know Your Rights!

4872, on March 30, 2010. (See the combined full text of Public Laws 111-148 and 111-152 here.)

Among many provisions, Section 4207 of the law amends the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 (29 U.S. Code 207) to require an employer to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for one year after the child's birth each time such employee has need to express milk. The employer is not required to compensate an employee receiving reasonable break time for any work time spent for such purpose. The employer must also provide a place, other than a bathroom, for the employee to express breast milk. If these requirements impose undue hardship, an employer that employs fewer than 50 employees is not subject to these requirements. The federal requirements shall not preempt a state law that provides greater protections to employees.

Preventive Services Covered Under the Affordable Care Act- 22 Covered Preventive Services for Women, Including Pregnan Women. Your insurance plan must cover comprehensive Breastfeeding support and counseling from trained providers, as well as access to breastfeeding supplies, for pregnant and nursing women. Insurers must cover these supplies(breast pumps) and services without charging a co-pay, co-insurance or deductible.

Massachusetts State Breastfeeding Law

Section 221: Breastfeeding in a public place

Section 221. (a) A mother may breastfeed her child in any public place or establishment or place which is open to and accepts or solicits the patronage of the general public and where the mother and her child may otherwise lawfully be present.