- A new study finds that despite breast pumping methods for breastfeeding mothers, many parents still don’t have a private place to pump at work.
- Without a safe space to pump at work, it’s difficult for parents to continue breastfeeding.
- Knowing your rights and speaking up can help your workplace be more supportive of breastfeeding parents.
Recent research highlights persistent challenges that many working parents who breastfeed are familiar with. Despite the enactment of the Breastfeeding Mothers Act of 2022, one in three women still do not have a place to pump at work.
Approximately 3,000 parents participated in a new survey conducted by Mamaba and Medela in May 2025. The goal was to learn more about their feeding journeys, challenges, and support systems. The findings highlight the fact that workplaces and public spaces remain poorly adapted.
Not only can this compromise a parent’s comfort and safety, but it can also place an undue burden on efforts to continue breastfeeding after returning to the office. It also means that parents often use every available space they can, including cars, closets, and bathrooms.
“Pumping logistics, lack of reliable space, and confusion about workplace rights are persistent barriers,” says Sasha Mayer, co-founder and chief experience officer at Mamava, one of the study’s sponsors. “These obstacles undermine parents’ ability to achieve their breastfeeding goals and make breastfeeding seem like a barrier to breastfeeding, despite a strong desire and motivation to do so.”
Lack of pump support at work
The data shows that while most parents start breastfeeding (83% nationally), by 6 months there is a steep decline with about 56% still breastfeeding. A large portion of this decline may be related to the lack of a designated space for pumping in the workplace. Not only does a lack of appropriate space cause stress, Mayer says, but it also signals that the needs of breastfeeding parents aren’t respected in the workplace.
The ability to express breast milk is critical for working parents seeking to meet the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding, says Jenelle Ferry, M.D., a board-certified neonatologist and director of feeding, nutrition, and infant development at Pediatrics Medical Group in Tampa, Florida. Both organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by complementary feeding for up to two years (and beyond if desired).
“Lack of space to pump and breastfeed, both at work and in public spaces, also exacerbates inequalities,” Dr Ferry added.
Impact on parents
For parents, not pumping regularly can lead to engorgement, clogged milk ducts, mastitis (a painful breast infection), and decreased milk supply, says Leah Trivas, BSN, RN, IBCLC, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and senior director of clinical and strategic partnerships with Lactation Network. “When your workplace doesn’t support the very basics, you become emotionally frustrated and discouraged,” says Trivas.
It can also be difficult for parents who want to provide their babies with the benefits of breast milk, such as immune protection and optimal nutrition. “Studies have shown that for working parents, babies who are consistently pumped have fewer illnesses and doctor visits,” Trivas says.
Business impact
If breastfeeding is not supported, companies may also face the potential for productivity impacts, higher turnover rates, and higher healthcare costs.
“Without the right space and time, parents can shorten mealtimes,” Meyer says. “And the lack of infrastructure has ripple effects on family health, equity, and the economy.”
What are your rights at work?
Meyer said the Breastfeeding Mothers Expression Act, which was enacted in late 2022, requires most employers to provide reasonable break times and a dedicated non-restroom space for employees to express breast milk. This applies to nearly all workers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, but there are exceptions for small employers and certain occupations.
Exemptions include some airline employees and some railway or motorcoach employees. (However, Dr. Ferry notes that legislation targeting some of these employees is expected to go into effect at the end of 2025.) Similarly, employees who work for companies with fewer than 50 employees are also exempt because compliance could pose an undue hardship to the company.
“While the law is clear, our research shows that 45% of parents are still unsure about their rights and 13% have no idea the law exists,” Mayer says.
The first step, she says, is to know your rights and speak up.
“Most employers want to do the right thing,” she added. Mayer suggests approaching the conversation as an advocate rather than an adversary. And if you’re not sure what to do, Mamava’s website provides resources that highlight the benefits to parents and employers when breastfeeding needs are met. If your employer is out of compliance, you can also file a complaint with the Department of Labor.
Steps Parents Can Take to Pump
If your workplace does not have a designated space for a pump, Tribus recommends taking the following steps:
- If you would like a private space other than the bathroom, please make your request in writing. Employers may simply need a reminder, she says.
- Suggest a solution. An unused office, wellness room, or even a small corner room with a lock and an outlet will work.
- Document your request.
- If your employer still refuses, file a complaint with the Department of Labor. It’s illegal for them to retaliate against you, she says.
Tips for continuing to breastfeed despite difficulties
Breastfeeding and pumping while working can be difficult, especially when your body is healing. Additionally, researchers found that this may be one of the biggest barriers to continuing breastfeeding. For this reason, experts recommend making a plan before returning to the office. There are several things to consider here.
- Schedule a return-to-work planning visit with a lactation consultant. Tribus says it helps you customize your schedule. Later, you can make adjustments based on what’s working and what’s not.
- Plan your pump schedule. Try to express milk every 2-4 hours at work. “This gives us some flexibility when it comes to meetings,” Tribus said.
- Use a portable and efficient pump. Tribus says many parents now rely on wearable pumps for convenience and privacy.
- Prepare your pump kit. Also, be sure to have wipes, spare parts, collection and storage containers, and ice bags.
- Know your public options. All 50 states allow breastfeeding in public. “Apps like Mamava can help you find a pumping or breastfeeding space on the go, and companies like Milkmate are building custom spaces for employers who need help setting up a pumping area for their employees,” Trivas says.
- Rely on support. Partners, coworkers, and lactation consultants can all help troubleshoot challenges, Trivas says.
- Give yourself grace. Every ounce of milk you pump or every feed you breastfeed is worth it, Tribus said, adding, “Perfect consistency isn’t the goal; sustainability is.”
The bottom line? You have the right to express milk if that’s your goal, and you need a safe, private space to do so. “When workplaces and public places focus on supporting breastfeeding, it becomes much easier for families to reach their breastfeeding goals, which benefits everyone,” Trivas says.
