If you’re pregnant or pumping at work, guess what? You’ve got [legal] backup! Thanks to two game-changing laws — the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) — you no longer have to choose between a healthy pregnancy and a paycheck. And forget about pumping in storage closets or bathrooms. Those days are over! Let’s talk about what this means for you!

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act 

Pregnant workers, and those who have recently given birth, are able to receive reasonable accommodations to support a healthy pregnancy without fear of losing their job or retaliation in the workplace. Whether it is needing extra bathroom breaks, a stool to sit on, or being able to carry a water bottle, workers have the right to reasonable accommodations, unless the requested accommodation would be really difficult or expensive (an undue hardship) for the employer to provide. 

Here’s what “reasonable accommodations” could look like:

• Help with heavy lifting or lighter-duty work
• Rocking those maternity clothes without issue
• Flexibility for prenatal and postnatal appointments
• More bathroom breaks (because we all know you need them!)
• Keeping a water bottle handy to stay hydrated
• Time off for bed rest, recovery from childbirth, mastitis, and more

And the best part? These protections apply whether you’re full-time, part-time, working for a private company, or a government agency — as long as your employer has 15 or more employees.

You can learn more about the the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act through our partners at A Better Balance. 

The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act

Breastfeeding or pumping at work? You’ve got rights here too! The PUMP Act makes sure you can take breaks and have a private, non-bathroom space to pump — no more hiding in supply closets. These rights last up to a year after your baby is born, and they apply to nearly all workers.

Not sure how to bring this up with your boss? No worries — the Center for WorkLife Law and A Better Balance have amazing resources to help you start that conversation. And if your employer’s not following the rules, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division at 1-800-487-924. Remember, it’s illegal for your employer to fire or discriminate against you for standing up for your rights.

Need Help? You’re Not Alone 

If you’ve got questions about your rights as a pregnant, breastfeeding, or pumping worker, there’s help out there! Reach out to A Better Balance at 1-833-NEED-ABB (1-833-633-3222) or the Center for WorkLife Law at hotline@worklifelaw.org or (415) 703-8276.

You deserve a workplace that’s got your back — and these laws are here to make sure of it!