Understand Your Rights

Federal and Washington State laws say certain employers must provide breastfeeding employees with breaks and space for expressing milk.

Depending on your job, you may have a right to:

• Reasonable breaks when you need to express breastmilk. For up to 2 years after birth.
• A space to pump that is NOT a bathroom and is private.

Washington State Law

Federal Laws

Have a Complaint?

You can send a complaint to the Attorney General’s Office – Civil Rights Division Pregnancy Accommodations Complaint Form

Resources

Employees’ Guide to Breastfeeding and Working
A Handbook for Expectant and Nursing Mothers

Local Support

Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD)

We offer support to local employers. Like:

Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH)

KVH offers breastfeeding support free of charge. To anyone in the community, regardless of where you gave birth.

This support is with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Contact us at:
509.962.7515
Lactation Program

KCPHD Resources

Policy: Accommodation for Lactating Employees

Breastfeeding at Work – Lets Make it Work!
Social Media Toolkit (English)
Social Media Toolkit (Spanish)

Milk Expression in the Workplacehosted by KVH
Webinar Recording
Presentation Slides

KVH Resources

Services:
4th Trimester Resource Center
Family Birthing Place
Mother's Room

Education:
Birth and Family Education
Webinar Series

Breastfeeding Benefits for Mothers and Babies

Breastfeeding is considered the “gold standard” for infant nutrition. The recommendation is to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months. Then continue breastfeeding with food for two years or more. You and your baby can decide what works for both of you.

Benefits for mothers:

• Lower risk of blood loss after baby is born.
• Lower risk of heart disease, Type II diabetes, and some cancers.
• It can help increase time between babies.
• Increased mother and infant bonding.

Benefits for babies:

• Lower risk of asthma, obesity, allergies, and Type II diabetes.
• Fewer ear infections and illnesses.
• Lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Increased brain and movement development.
• Increased mother and infant bonding.

Breastfeeding Benefits for Employers

• Employees are more likely to keep working after having a baby.
• Employees may use less sick time for children’s illnesses.
• Increased employee satisfaction and loyalty.
• Lower health care and insurance costs.