Health Care Reform

As we all know, Health Care Reform is under way. Regardless of how we feel about it in general, there are some specifics that you, as breastfeeding mothers and advocates, might be interested in discussing. President Obama’s signing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as Health Care Reform) will positively impact those of us who are employed and breastfeeding. The Act states that employers must provide “reasonable break time” and a private place (not a bathroom) for employees to express breast milk for their children up to one year of age. This is great news! The law became effective immediately upon signing, and the Department of Labor is working quickly to establish rules for enforcement. Unfortunately, employers are not required to pay employees for the time spent expressing milk. Nor are employers with fewer than 50 employees required to provide breaks for this purpose if it would cause “undue hardship” for their business. Nevertheless, this gives us legal rights with regards to breastfeeding and returning to work. So, ladies, let’s gear up (great pumps are available for working moms) and discuss options with our employers!