What is the Current Law for Breastfeeding in Georgia?

Although the Affordable Care Act protects moms who pump at work, there are still gaps in access to resources. The vague language included in the current Georgia law says that employers may, but are not required to, provide unpaid break time. They are also required to provide a private space for nursing mothers. This flexibility gives employers an excuse to not allow employees to take the time that they need to pump. 

The current law in Georgia was problematic for at least one breastfeeding mother as she tried to pump at work. This woman, a public school teacher, was attempting to use a breast pump during one of her planned breaks. Her supervisor told her that she could either stop pumping during her break or she could stay late after school to make up for the time she was using to pump. Because she was not protected by Georgia law, this working mother had to make a choice between expressing breast milk and being penalized at her job.

What Would Charlotte’s Law Change?

Inspired by the public school teacher mentioned above, Charlotte’s Law would amend the current legislation in place in Georgia. It would also establish clearer protections for breastfeeding moms in the workplace. Most notably, this law would change important language in the bill, stating that employers shall provide reasonable break time. This would replace the current wording that says employers “may provide reasonable unpaid break time” for expressing breast milk. 

This distinction places the burden on employers to ensure their employees receive this necessary time to pump, rather than on moms to squeeze this time into a busy workday. Additionally, this amendment replaces vague language relating to where employees can pump. Charlotte’s Law states that employers shall provide a private space to pump that is not in a restroom, which is essential in helping moms keep their expressed breast milk sterile.

What Do Breastfeeding Moms Need in the Workplace?

While the changes included in this Georgia bill may seem small, they are critical revisions that better protect breastfeeding moms in the workplace. Pumping breast milk does not use much more time than what many employees use for smoke breaks. In most businesses, breast pumping for 15 minutes every few hours will not cause undue harm to the success of a company. 

Nursing moms need a safe, clean, and private place to pump. They also need understanding and cooperation from coworkers to breast pump during the workday. The transition back to work after having a baby is challenging enough. Small changes in a workplace can make all the difference.

Breastfeeding is not easy, but the benefits for moms and babies are enough for moms to take on the challenge of breast pumping at work. Employers should take proactive steps to look out for their employees. Breastfeeding moms should educate themselves on their rights.

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