Ask the Lactation Consultant
Q. I heard something about a new breastfeeding and working law? What is that all about?
A. Yes! It is very exciting news for Oregon families! While legislation related to breastfeeding was first introduced in Oregon in 1999, and Beyond Birth's own Dixie Whetsell was one of the earliest champions for such legislation, this new law is a huge step in supporting the rights of working mothers with regard to continuing to breastfeed after they return to work!
The new law, which takes effect in January 2008, gives women 30 minutes of unpaid time during every four-hour work period to express milk until their babies are 18 months old. Employers must make a reasonable attempt to find somewhere other than the bathroom. The law covers companies with 25 or more employees, accounting for 70 percent of the state’s workforce. The state labor commissioner can impose a $1,000-per-day fine for violations, although exemptions are allowed in cases of undue hardship on businesses.
The law requires mothers to give employers “reasonable notice”, so it will be important for expectant mothers to open the conversation with their employers as soon as possible after they know they will be returning to work and pumping.
Breastfeeding just got easier for Oregon families!
