Legal rights - Pumping at work???

Yes legally they have to allow you time, a room dedicated just to pumping with a lock on the door. It may vary from state to state. I would.contact La Leche, I'm sure the will know the legal rights or do a search. But it's your bosses job to figure out someone to cover for you during the time you pump.

I do know that pumping for teachers can be a challenge. I'd really, really encourage you to jump over to the breastfeeding / lactation consultant support board. I know this questions comes up over there a lot and the CL of that board has put together a very nice list of tips and tricks specifically for teachers to help them succeed at pumping.

Legal rights regarding pumping vary by state. I know our state really encourages (via PSA) employers to encourage and support pumping.

And really it is in their best interest. Moms who are given the opportunity to pump milk for their child tend to be absent from work less often than those who are not supported in their pumping efforts and end up using formula as a result. While yes there are babies who are sick even while breastfeeding and babies who eat formula who are never sick, in general, statistically speaking moms who breastfeed / pump do not miss as many work days due to childhood illness.

You may have to educate your school a bit about the benefits. Pop over to the Lactation Consultant board. Get their tips. See if you can formulate a plan that will work for you - and if you do need to get by-in from your school, put together your info in a persuasive presentation.

Good luck.

Yes, if your workplace employs more than 50 employees (which I'm guessing yours does) they have to allow you two breaks throughout the day for pumping in a private place that is not a bathroom. You can check your states legislature for more info on this and you can print out educational information for your employer to present your case. I have heard that they can schedule your breaks in a manner than does not work for your schedule (i.e. last period). I think this depends on your employer and how empathetic they are. Unfortunately the law is not perfect, but a supervisor who works in childhood education should have the urge to nurture and protect all children and hopefully this applies to yours! Look up your rights for your specific state, print them out and learn what you are entitled to and then set up a meeting with your boss to work out a schedule that works for both of you. Maybe you can have an aid or student teacher or helper come for 20 minutes at the end of certain classes to allow you to take a break when you need to pump. I think if you come up with a solution to your problem that does not impact the budget for the school or your student's education, your boss cannot possibly deny you timely breaks to pump. And I know it's stressful & all but try to stay positive and know that it will work out! I beleive that people really do want to do the right thing and that we should never take NO for an answer- just get creative and things can find a way to work for everyone :)