Workplace

We envision a Michigan where all families are supported in reaching their breastfeeding goals, all employers recognize the value of implementing breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies, and all employees work to create a supportive breastfeeding environment. Society must be prepared to tear down the current barriers that working families face, and create systems that center the needs of working caregivers and their children.

MIBFN Workplace Policy Positions

1. In an explicit effort to normalize extended human milk feeding and natural weaning, all workplace lactation support policies are written without limitations for the age of the child
2. All personnel are provided with training on why and how to support breastfeeding, bodyfeeding, and milk expression, and on all lactation policies/accommodations available to employees
3. Employment policies that are inclusive of the needs of lactating folx are established. Policies can include, but are not limited to: 
   • Baby-at-work where employees have access to baby for direct breastfeeding/bodyfeeding in the workplace whenever possible 
   • Virtual/remote work for the duration of milk expression and human milk feeding
   • On-site lactation support that includes providing employees with employee-determined time and space to express human milk regardless of legal status and employment classification without penalty 
4. Employment policies regarding milk expression are inclusive of lactating folx who express milk for a child who is not in their custody (e.g. for milk donation, milk sharing, surrogacy, etc.)
5. Universal basic income is guaranteed for all
6. Federal minimum wage is guaranteed for all workers
7. Two years of paid family leave is provided to both the breastfeeding/bodyfeeding and non breastfeeding/bodyfeeding parent

To view the full policy position, download the position paper here.

• MIBFN Workplace Federal Law Comparison
• Department of Labor: Pump At Work
• Lactation Laws and Policies: What Every Manager Should Know
• Lactation Rights at Work: Are Pumping Breaks Paid or Unpaid?
• PUMP Act Protections for Transportation Workers

Families are more successful with human milk feeding when they live and work in supportive communities. The Michigan Breastfeeding Network (MIBFN) wishes to recognize Michigan employers that provide workplace support to breastfeeding employees through our Michigan Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Awards. Our goal for this program is to shift organizational policy and culture to ensure that breastfeeding-supportive policies are normalized and visible throughout Michigan. 

In order to qualify for a Workplace Award, employers must provide workplace support accommodations for lactating employees in accordance with the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. 

Submit your application here

To prepare your application for submission, you can download a PDF worksheet with all the application questions here

Award levels are determined by the following criteria based on this checklist:

• Bronze Award: 1-5 strategies
• Silver Award: 6-10 strategies
• Gold Award: 11+ strategies

Please note that we process applications monthly. If you need support with your application, please reach out to hello@mibreastfeeding.org or call our team at 734-365-6559. 

This program is made possible with financial support from Michigan businesses, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Thank you for your generous contributions to our efforts to make Michigan a more just, equitable, and breastfeeding supportive place to live.

Thanks for all you do to support breastfeeding families in Michigan!

View and congratulate Workplace Award recipients!