Returning to work after maternity leave is never easy. Having support from an employer can truly make a huge impact in a new mom’s transition back to work. If you plan on pumping at work and need some help requesting support from your employer/supervisor, see the letter template below! Adjust as you see fit!
Dear [insert employer’s name]:
I am submitting this letter to let you know I plan to continue breastfeeding my baby when I return to work. Beginning [insert approximate date], I will need breaks at regular intervals during the workday to pump breast milk so as to maintain my milk supply and to provide breast milk for my child when we are apart. [Provide your state’s pumping in the workplace policy] [Your state’s] new law, effective January 1, 2008, requires that employers provide a clean, private place for breastfeeding mothers to express breast milk. The law requires a 30-minute rest period for every four hours worked. This is the minimum time needed to go to the pumping area, set up the pump, express the breast milk, disassemble and clean the pump parts, and return to work.
This letter fulfills my responsibility to provide you with advance notice of my intention to breastfeed, so that suitable arrangements can be made regarding a pumping location, as well as any work schedule modifications. I would appreciate awritten reply from you indicating you understand my intentions and are working on a plan to accommodate this need.
Breast milk protects both mothers and children from many health risks. Employers benefit, too, by reduced absenteeism. Thank you for your willingness to make these accommodations for me and other breastfeeding mothers. You are helping protect the health of working mothers and their children.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
