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Breastfeeding leave (ammefri) in Norway: your rights at work
In Norway, employees who breastfeed have the right to time off from work to do so. This is called ammefri. The rules are set in section 12-8 of the Working Environment Act (arbeidsmiljøloven), and collective agreements often give better terms than the law.
What the law says
You are entitled to the time off you need to breastfeed. There is no upper age limit for the child, so the right to unpaid time off continues for as long as you are breastfeeding.
The right to pay is narrower: on working days with an agreed working time of seven hours or more, you are entitled to pay for up to one hour per day during the child's first year. Part-time employees with shorter days have a right to time off but, by law, without pay.
Collective agreements and your contract
Many collective agreements and employment contracts give more generous terms than the law, for example paid ammefri for a longer period or for shorter workdays. If you work in the public sector, the main collective agreement often applies. Check with your union, representative or HR.
How to arrange it with your employer
Talk to your employer well before you return. Agree on how the time is used, for example one hour at the start or end of the day, two half-hour breaks, or a combination. Remember that the time may need to include travel if your baby is cared for elsewhere, and that pumping milk at work is also a practical way to use the time.
Your employer may ask for confirmation that you are still breastfeeding. Practice varies, so ask what is expected and keep the conversation friendly and specific.
Breastfeeding leave and pumping
If you cannot be with your baby during the day, you can use the time to express milk. A calm, private space and somewhere to store the milk make a big difference. See our guide on pumping and storing breast milk for safe storage times.
Check the current rules
Rules and agreements change. Always confirm the exact wording on Lovdata or Arbeidstilsynet, and check your own collective agreement. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I have ammefri in Norway?
There is no upper age limit for the child. The right to time off lasts as long as you breastfeed, but the right to pay by law applies during the child's first year.
Is ammefri paid?
By law, up to one hour per day is paid on days with seven hours or more of agreed working time, during the child's first year. Collective agreements may give you more.
Do part-time employees get ammefri?
Yes, you have the right to time off, but by law it is without pay if your working day is shorter than seven hours.
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.