Introduction to Pumping Breast Milk at Work Laws in Canada
In my Toronto clinic, I often meet with breastfeeding moms who are preparing to return to work and are unsure about their rights and laws regarding pumping breast milk at work. As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I'm here to guide you through the process and provide you with the necessary information to ensure a smooth transition back to work. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, approximately 89% of mothers in Canada initiate breastfeeding, and with the right support, many can continue to breastfeed while working.
A mom I worked with last month at a La Leche League Canada group was concerned about pumping at work and didn't know where to start. She recalled,
I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find a private space to pump, or that my employer wouldn't be supportive. But with the right guidance and support, I was able to successfully express milk at work and continue breastfeeding my baby. I even got to enjoy the quiet moments to myself, listening to calming music and feeling my milk flow, while my baby was being cared for by my partner.You can do the same with the help of this guide and the right tools, such as the TheRelievoo Wearable Pump, a hospital-grade hands-free wearable pump available for $169.90, which is 50% off the original price of $339.80.
Understanding Your Rights as a Breastfeeding Mom in Canada
Pumping Breast Milk at Work Laws
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, breastfeeding is a protected right in Canada, and employers are required to provide a safe and private space for breastfeeding employees to express milk. The Canadian Paediatric Society also recommends that employers support breastfeeding employees by providing a lactation room or other private space for milk expression. In fact, the Employment Standards Act in Ontario, for example, requires employers to provide breastfeeding employees with a private space to express milk, and employees are entitled to take up to 30 minutes of unpaid break time to do so.
Laws and Regulations by Province
While some US states have laws that require employers to provide reasonable break times and a private space for breastfeeding employees to express milk, in Canada, the laws and regulations regarding breastfeeding at work vary by province. For instance, in British Columbia, the Employment Standards Act requires employers to provide breastfeeding employees with a private space to express milk, and employees are entitled to take up to 30 minutes of unpaid break time to do so. In Quebec, the Act respecting labour standards requires employers to provide a private space for breastfeeding employees to express milk, and employees are entitled to take up to 30 minutes of unpaid break time to do so. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific laws in your area, such as contacting the Ministry of Labour in your province for more information.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pumping Breast Milk at Work in Canada
- Inform your employer about your intention to breastfeed and express milk at work. This will help them prepare a private space for you to pump and ensure that you have the necessary accommodations. You can use the Public Health Agency of Canada's Breastfeeding at Work guide to help facilitate the conversation.
- Discuss your pumping schedule and needs with your employer. You may need to pump every few hours, so it's essential to have a plan in place to ensure that you can express milk comfortably and safely. According to Health Canada, breastfeeding employees should aim to pump at least 8-12 times in a 24-hour period to maintain milk supply.
- Find a private space to pump. This could be a lactation room, a private office, or another quiet space where you can express milk without interruption. The space should be clean, comfortable, and have access to a sink and refrigerator for storing expressed milk.
- Use a breast pump that is comfortable and efficient. The TheRelievoo Wearable Pump is a great option, as it is hospital-grade, hands-free, and under 35 dB, making it perfect for discreet pumping at work.
- Store your expressed milk safely. You'll need a cooler with ice packs or access to a refrigerator to store your expressed milk. Be sure to label and date your milk containers to ensure that you use the oldest milk first. The Ministry of Health in Ontario recommends storing expressed milk at a temperature of 4°C or below.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pumping Breast Milk at Work
Pumping Breast Milk at Work Canada
One common mistake is not informing your employer about your intention to breastfeed and express milk at work. This can lead to a lack of accommodations and support, making it difficult for you to continue breastfeeding. Another mistake is not having a plan in place for storing and transporting your expressed milk. This can lead to spoilage and waste, which can be frustrating and disappointing. According to the La Leche League Canada, approximately 60% of breastfeeding mothers in Canada experience difficulties with expressing milk at work, highlighting the need for proper support and accommodations.
Pumping Breast Milk at Work Laws Quebec
In Quebec, the laws and regulations regarding breastfeeding at work are similar to those in other provinces. Employers are required to provide a safe and private space for breastfeeding employees to express milk, and employees have the right to take breaks to pump. However, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific laws and regulations in your area to ensure that you're aware of your rights and responsibilities. The Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail in Quebec provides guidance and support for breastfeeding employees.
Pumping Laws Canada
Across Canada, the laws and regulations regarding breastfeeding at work vary by province. However, all provinces require employers to provide a safe and private space for breastfeeding employees to express milk, and employees have the right to take breaks to pump. The INFACT Canada provides guidance and support for breastfeeding moms, including information on their rights and laws regarding breastfeeding at work. You can contact them at 1-800-378-9122 for more information.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, pumping breast milk at work in Canada requires some planning and preparation, but with the right guidance and support, you can successfully express milk at work and continue breastfeeding your baby. For more information on maternity and parental leave in Canada and breastfeeding, check out our guide on Maternity & Parental Leave in Canada & Breastfeeding: A Planning Guide. You can also learn more about breast pump delivery in Canada and what to expect from Breast Pump Delivery in Canada: Shipping, Canada Post & What to Expect. Consider investing in a TheRelievoo Wearable Pump for convenient and discreet pumping at work.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What are the laws regarding pumping breast milk at work in Canada?
A: In Canada, employers are required to provide a safe and private space for breastfeeding employees to express milk. The laws and regulations vary by province, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific laws in your area. You can contact the Ministry of Labour in your province for more information.
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Q: How often should I pump at work?
A: The frequency of pumping at work will depend on your individual needs and your baby's feeding schedule. Generally, it's recommended to pump at least 8-12 times in a 24-hour period to maintain milk supply and prevent engorgement, as recommended by Health Canada.
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Q: What type of breast pump is best for pumping at work?
A: A portable and efficient breast pump is best for pumping at work. Consider a wearable breast pump like the TheRelievoo Wearable Pump, which is hospital-grade, hands-free, and under 35 dB.
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Q: How do I store my expressed milk at work?
A: You'll need a cooler with ice packs or access to a refrigerator to store your expressed milk. Be sure to label and date your milk containers to ensure that you use the oldest milk first. The Ministry of Health in Ontario recommends storing expressed milk at a temperature of 4°C or below.
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Q: What if my employer doesn't provide a private space for pumping?
A: If your employer doesn't provide a private space for pumping, you can discuss alternative options with them, such as using a private office or finding another quiet space. You can also contact the La Leche League Canada or the INFACT Canada for guidance and support.
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Q: Can I get a refund or exchange if I'm not satisfied with my breast pump?
A: Yes, TheRelievoo Wearable Pump comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty. You can also get free Canada Post tracked delivery across Canada.
Written by Sarah Tremblay, IBCLC
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (Toronto, Canada)
Sarah is an IBCLC and mom of two based in Toronto. Since 2018 she has supported 500+ Canadian families with breastfeeding, pumping and the return-to-work transition, and writes all TheRelievoo Canada guides in-house with the product team. She is a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) and works alongside La Leche League Canada groups.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Emily Chen, MD, CCFP (Toronto)
