Introduction to Pumping at Work in Ontario
As a breastfeeding mom returning to work in Ontario, you may be wondering how to pump at work. The good news is that the Canadian government has laws in place to protect breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, breastfeeding is an important part of infant nutrition, with approximately 90% of Canadian mothers initiating breastfeeding, as reported in the 2019-2020 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) by Statistics Canada.
In my Toronto clinic, I've worked with many moms who have successfully pumped at work using the TheRelievoo Wearable Pump, a hospital-grade hands-free wearable pump that's under 35 dB and available for $169.90 (was $339.80). This pump is a great option for moms who want to pump discreetly and efficiently at work, and its compact design makes it easy to fit in a purse or bag, perfect for busy Toronto moms on-the-go.
Understanding Your Rights as a Breastfeeding Mom in Ontario
Pumping Breast Milk at Work Laws Canada
In Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that breastfeeding mothers be provided with a private and comfortable space to express milk, as outlined in the Canada Labour Code, which requires employers to provide a nursing room for employees. Employers are also required to provide a reasonable amount of time for breastfeeding mothers to express milk, with the Ontario Human Rights Code protecting employees from discrimination based on sex, including pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Can You Get Fired for Pumping at Work?
No, you cannot be fired for pumping at work in Ontario. The Ontario Human Rights Code protects breastfeeding mothers from discrimination in the workplace, and according to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, approximately 1 in 5 women experience pregnancy and breastfeeding-related discrimination at work.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Pumping at Work in Ontario
- Notify your employer: Inform your employer that you will need to express milk at work and discuss a plan for pumping and storing your milk, as required by the Employment Standards Act, 2000, which mandates that employers accommodate breastfeeding employees.
- Find a private space: Identify a private and comfortable space where you can express milk, such as a designated lactation room or a private office, with access to a refrigerator for storing expressed milk, as recommended by Health Canada.
- Use a breast pump: Invest in a good quality breast pump, such as the TheRelievoo Wearable Pump, that is comfortable and efficient to use, and easy to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of breast milk contamination.
- Store your milk: Store your expressed milk in a refrigerator or a cooler with ice packs, and label your milk with the date and time it was expressed, as recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society, which advises that breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
- Take breaks: Take regular breaks to express milk, every 2-3 hours, or as needed, to maintain milk supply and prevent engorgement, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which suggests that frequent expression can help to establish and maintain a good milk supply.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pumping at Work
Pumping Rules at Work
One common mistake is not following the proper procedure for pumping and storing milk. Make sure to follow your employer's guidelines and take the necessary precautions to maintain the quality and safety of your milk, such as washing your hands before pumping, and cleaning and sanitizing your pump and equipment regularly.
Pumping at Work Alberta and BC
While the laws and regulations regarding pumping at work may vary from province to province, the principles remain the same. Breastfeeding mothers have the right to express milk in a private and comfortable space, and employers are required to provide a reasonable amount of time for this purpose, as outlined in the Canadian Human Rights Act, which protects employees from discrimination based on sex, including pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Pumping at work in Ontario can be challenging, but with the right guidance and equipment, you can successfully express milk for your baby. For more information on breastfeeding and pumping, visit the La Leche League Canada website or consult with a lactation consultant, such as myself, who can provide personalized support and guidance. You can also read our article on A Cheaper Alternative to Elvie: TheRelievoo Wearable Breast Pump to learn more about our products.
Consider investing in a TheRelievoo Wearable Pump for your pumping needs, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a lifetime warranty, providing you with peace of mind and protection for your investment.
I recall working with a mom who was returning to work at a downtown Toronto office building, and was worried about finding a private space to pump. We worked together to identify a comfortable and private space, and developed a plan for her to pump and store her milk. With the right equipment and support, she was able to successfully pump at work, and continue to provide breast milk for her baby, even on busy days when she had to travel to meetings across the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Does pumping at work count as a break?
A: Yes, pumping at work can count as a break, as outlined in the Employment Standards Act, 2000, which mandates that employers provide employees with regular breaks, including those needed for breastfeeding and pumping. -
Q: Can you get fired for pumping at work?
A: No, you cannot be fired for pumping at work in Ontario, as protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, including pregnancy and breastfeeding. -
Q: Is pumping at work protected?
A: Yes, pumping at work is protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act, which provide employees with the right to express milk in a private and comfortable space, and to receive a reasonable amount of time for pumping. -
Q: When to pump at work?
A: The frequency and duration of pumping breaks will depend on your individual needs and your baby's feeding schedule, but generally, it's recommended to pump every 2-3 hours, or as needed, to maintain milk supply and prevent engorgement. -
Q: Does pumping induce labour?
A: There is no conclusive evidence that pumping induces labour, according to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), which states that nipple stimulation may help to stimulate contractions, but is not a reliable method for inducing labour. -
Q: Does pumping help induce labour?
A: While there is no conclusive evidence that pumping helps to induce labour, some women have reported that nipple stimulation has helped to stimulate contractions and induce labour, as noted in a study published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health.
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)
