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The federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers law requires employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to provide basic accommodations for breastfeeding mothers at work. Employers are required to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for one year after the child's birth each time such employee has need to express the milk. Employers are also required to provide a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk.

Employers who invest in employee lactation accommodations see a 3:1 return on investment (ROI) because of:

  • Lower healthcare costs
  • Lower absenteeism for both mothers and fathers
  • Lower turnover rates
  • Improved employee morale

ODH, in partnership with Every Mother, Inc., developed the Ohio Workplace PLUS (Providing Lactation Upgrades and Support) toolkit. This is a free comprehensive resource for Human Resource professionals, supervisors, and employees. It will help businesses establish or enhance existing lactation accommodations. It has basic guidelines for just starting out. The toolkit is based on the national Business Case for Breastfeeding as well as findings from a statewide survey of Ohio businesses who attended the 2019 Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conference in Columbus, Ohio.

The Ohio Workplace PLUS Toolkit:

For Employers

Additionally, please view the “Ohio Businesses Supporting Breastfeeding” webinar presented by Cathy Carothers of Every Mother, Inc. at https://vimeo.com/595925918/0776cc7614

(Please note: viewers will need to enter their name and email to view the recording.)

For Employees

For Breastfeeding Advocates

Toolkit Videos

Featuring Ohio businesses that offer lactation support to their employees, these videos were created to highlight why workplace lactation support matters and how businesses can make this possible.

Ohio Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Award

In partnership with Ohio Breastfeeding Alliance, Ohio Department of Health has launched the Ohio Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Award Program to recognize Ohio businesses that offer lactation support to their employees. This includes having a breastfeeding policy established, offering break time to employees to pump in the workplace, and having a space that is private, accessible, comfortable that is not a bathroom for nursing employees' use. Any Ohio business is eligible to apply for designation. For questions about the award program, contact Meredith.Smith@odh.ohio.gov . 

Application Instructions

Please review the Application Guide before completing your application. Applications must be completed through REDcap survey but a paper copy is available for your reference.

  • Applications can be submitted at any time and are reviewed quarterly. Businesses will be notified of designation status via email after applications are reviewed.
  • Designation level is tiered: bronze, silver, and gold.
  • Awardee materials will be mailed to businesses following designation. These materials include a letter of recognition, certificate, and window cling for display. Designated workplaces will be recognized under "Designated Breastfeeding Friendly Workplaces" as well. Additionally, a yearly raffle will take place to award one designated business with a breast pump for their workplace's use.
  • Designation is valid for three years. After that time, businesses must complete a renewal application to maintain designation.

Designated Breastfeeding Friendly Workplaces

2022

  • Allen County Public Health
  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
  • Delaware Public Health District
  • Firelands Health
  • Henry County Hospital
  • Holzer Health System-Gallipolis
  • Mary Rutan Hospital
  • Western Reserve Hospital
  • Wooster Community Hospital

2023

  • All About Kids Child Care and Learning Center
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center
  • Stark County Health Department

 

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