Breastfeeding in Private or Public Spaces
Code of Alabama 1975: Section 22-1-13 states that a mother may breastfeed her child in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be present. (Act 2006-526, p. 1222, §1.)
Break Time at Work for Nursing Mothers
The Federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law (as updated by PUMP Act) states that an employer shall provide:
- A reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for 1 year after the child’s birth each time such employee has need to express the milk; and
- A place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk.
Fair Labor Standards Act: 29 U.S.C. § 218(d)
This law applies to all employers, regardless of size. Employers with fewer than 50 employees who can show that providing break time or space to pump may cause an undue hardship may be exempted under the law. Employees may have additional rights to receive break time, space, and accommodations at work under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act starting June 27, 2023.