Why are Changes Needed?
Women are a huge part of today’s workforce and working is an economic necessity for most mothers. There are benefits to employers for investing in women workers but current federal accommodations under the 2010 Federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers legislation does not provide comprehensive workplace breastfeeding policies. When companies support breastfeeding, businesses gain a three-to-one return on investment in addition to greater employee retention, lower absenteeism, and a more creative and productive work environment.
Get to Know the Campaign
MIBFN Workplace Policy Positions
- Employers should provide comprehensive workplace breastfeeding protection for all employees regardless of legal status and employment classification.
- Employers should provide flexible, comprehensive time solutions for all employees regardless of legal status and employment classification.
- Regardless of work environment, space solutions should be provided for all employees.
- Whenever feasible, access to baby for direct breastfeeding in the workplace should be the standard for employees.
- Comprehensive paid family leave legislation should be adopted at the national level.
To view the full policy position, download the position paper here.
Effective May 7, 2019 we are no longer providing free printing and shipping on campaign-related tools. Please click below to continue downloading and sharing with your networks and families!
- MIBFN Door Hangers (Preview: English | Spanish | Arabic | Burmese | Japanese)
- MIBFN Business Case for Breastfeeding Postcard
- MIBFN Lactation Support Policy CUSTOMIZABLE Template (Word | PDF)
- MIBFN Breastfeeding is Good for Employers handout (English | Spanish | Arabic | Burmese | Japanese)
- Department of Labor Fact Sheet 73 is an overview of the law, requirements, and how to file a complaint
- Department of Labor Fact Sheet 17a helps you to determine if you are an exempt or non-exempt employee
- Department of Labor Fact Sheet 77a explains how employers cannot retaliate against employees who file a complaint
- Guidance for Employers on Supporting Breastfeeding Employees During the COVID-19 Pandemic
MIBFN tips:
1. All of these files can be downloaded and printed using a professional printing service like www.vistaprint.com or www.custommagnetsdirect.com
2. If you’d like to add your organization’s logo, contact info@mibreastfeeding.org for support
Does your employer provide time and space for breastfeeding employees in compliance with the Break Time for Nursing Mothers law?
MIBFN aims to increase the visibility of policy makers who adopt breastfeeding-supportive policies.
- There are three award levels (Bronze: 1-5 points, Silver: 6-10 points, Gold 11+ points and complete the DHEW)
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
- Awards are good for 1 calendar year
- Learn more about Workplace and Workplace Awards by watching this video
Nominate your employer for a Workplace Award with our online application or print and fill out our paper application!
- In light of COVID-19, Workplace Award shipments are postponed until Governor Whitmer’s “Stay At Home” order is lifted.
- For returning applicants, please note effective January 1, 2020, Workplace Award recipients will receive a modified packet of tools different than previous years to recognize their efforts to support breastfeeding in the workplace. For questions, please email info@mibreastfeeding.org.
View and congratulate Workplace Award recipients!
- Have you supported a breastfeeding employee as she was returning or after she returned to work?
- Does your employer go above and beyond to provide accommodations for breastfeeding employees when they return to work?
- Are you an employer or HR manager that serves as a champion and advocate for breastfeeding employees?
- Have you done something innovative to support breastfeeding in the workplace?
Click here to share your story.