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Breastfeeding breaks at work around the world
Rules for breastfeeding at work vary a lot between countries. Some give paid nursing breaks by law, others only require a private space, and some leave it to long parental leave and collective agreements. Here is an overview, but always check the current rules where you work.
What the ILO recommends
The International Labour Organization's Maternity Protection Convention (No. 183) says women should have the right to one or more daily breaks, or a reduction of daily hours, to breastfeed, and that this time should count as paid working time. Not all countries have ratified it, and national rules differ.
Norway
Employees have the right to time off to breastfeed, with no upper age limit for the child. By law, up to one hour per day is paid on days with seven hours or more of agreed work during the child's first year. Read more in our guide to ammefri in Norway.
Germany
Germany's Maternity Protection Act gives breastfeeding employees the right to paid time off to breastfeed during the first twelve months, at least twice 30 minutes or once 60 minutes per day, with longer breaks on long workdays. The employer may not reduce pay because of it.
United Kingdom
There is no statutory right to paid breastfeeding or pumping breaks. Employers must however provide suitable rest facilities for breastfeeding workers under health and safety rules, and refusing to discuss reasonable adjustments can risk a sex discrimination claim.
United States
Under the federal PUMP Act, most employers must give reasonable break time to pump for up to one year after birth, and a private space that is not a bathroom. Breaks do not have to be paid unless the employer otherwise provides paid breaks. Some states give stronger protections.
Sweden, Denmark and Finland
The other Nordic countries rely heavily on long parental leave. Reports indicate that Sweden, Denmark and Finland do not have a statutory nursing break in the same way as Norway or Germany, though collective agreements and employer policies can differ. Check with your union or employer.
Planning your return to work
Whatever the law says, talk to your employer early. Agree on break times, a private space and a place to store milk. Logging feedings and pumping sessions in Plumpy helps you see how much milk your baby needs while you are away.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have a legal right to breastfeeding breaks at work?
It depends on the country. Norway and Germany give a legal right to time off to breastfeed, the US requires pumping breaks for up to a year, while the UK has no statutory paid break but requires rest facilities.
Are breastfeeding breaks paid?
In Norway and Germany they are paid within set limits. In the US they are generally unpaid unless other breaks are paid. In the UK there is no statutory right to paid breaks.
Check the facts: rules, recommendations and products change. Always verify with the manufacturer, official sources such as NAV, Helsedirektoratet and Arbeidstilsynet, and other relevant health authorities before you act.