Returning to work after your baby is born can be a difficult decision to make, but fortunately Colorado law protects breastfeeding mothers in the workplace.
According to Colorado law, nursing mothers have the right to take adequate breaks (can be unpaid) in order to breastfeed while at work. Employers are required to provide break times in order to pump or breastfeed in a provided a safe, sanitary location (other than a toilet stall or your car).
While the law protects your choice to pump at school or work, you should have a conversation with your employer about breastfeeding so that you both are on the same page.
Know your rights.
You have the right to breastfeed your baby, but it is also important to be respectful and have a good relationship with your boss. To read more about the Colorado law, feel free to visit the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment here: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/NursingMothers
Talk to them beforehand.
Make sure to talk to you boss early so you can both come up with a plan for what will happen when you come back from maternity leave. This conversation will make sure that you can be successful when it comes to breastfeeding after you go back to work!
Kelsey Munn, CLC
Dietetic Intern at
University of Northern Colorado