Know Your Rights: Pumping at Work

Seven years ago, when I had my first baby, I didn’t know any better.

I didn’t know I had the right to a private space to pump. I didn’t know that “reasonable break time” was protected by law. I didn’t know that feeding my baby, or maintaining my milk supply, wasn’t something I had to squeeze in between bathroom stalls and lunch breaks.

Like so many moms, I just did what I could. I made it work. I pumped in my car, in supply closets, and in bathrooms that smelled like sh*t. I told myself; this must be what motherhood looks like when you’re a working mom.

Oh, nothing. Me pumping in the bathroom.

But now I know better. And because I know better, I want other moms to know better too.

What the Law Actually Says

Under the federal PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, you have the right to:

• Reasonable break time to express milk whenever you need to, for up to one year after your baby’s birth.

• A private, clean space that’s not a bathroom, somewhere shielded from view and free from interruptions.

• Paid time if you’re expected to keep working while you pump.

  
  

Wisconsin doesn’t have its own additional pumping law, so the federal law is what applies statewide. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t expect better. Every workplace can create a culture that honors motherhood and understands the realities of postpartum life.

What “Reasonable” Really Means

One of the biggest misconceptions is that pumping should take 15 or 20 minutes. For some people, that might be (and should be) enough, but for others, it’s not and that's OKAY TOO.

Between setup, letting down, cleaning pump parts, and storing milk, a session can easily take longer that 20 minutes. That’s not a luxury; it’s biology.

So.... if you or someone you know is pumping for longer, remember: the law uses the word reasonable for a reason. Reasonable means time that matches your body’s needs, not a time limit set by someone else.

What Employers Should Understand

Supporting pumping employees isn’t just about compliance — it’s about care. It’s about retaining good workers and showing respect for their health and their families.

A supportive workplace can be as simple as:

• Designating a small, private room with a lock.

• Allowing flexible scheduling for pumping breaks.

• Treating lactation time with the same respect as any other health accommodation.

When employers make space for this, they’re not losing time — they’re gaining trust, loyalty, and a more inclusive work culture.

Why This Matters

I think back to that version of me, sitting in my car with my pump bag, hoping no one would walk by, and I wish she knew she deserved better.

No mom should have to choose between her paycheck and her baby’s next meal. No one should feel embarrassed to ask for what’s already their right.

Knowing your rights is one thing. Believing you deserve to use them is another.

If you’re navigating pumping at work right now, I see you. You’re doing amazing. And you’re protected by law, by community, and by the generations of mothers who’ve made sure we know better now.

As always, I am here if you need me.

Pais