A. In order to foster the ability of a nursing mother who is an employee to use a breast pump in the workplace, an employer, including the state and its political subdivisions, shall provide:

(1) a space for using the breast pump that is:

(a) clean and private;
(b) near the employee’s workspace; and
(c) not a bathroom; and

(2) flexible break times.

B. An employer shall not be liable for:

(1) storage or refrigeration of breast milk;
(2) payment for a nursing mother’s break time in addition to established employee breaks; or
(3) payment of overtime while a nursing mother is using a breast pump.

Lactivist Lissa Knudsen reports that the law will go into effect 90 days after the close of this legislative session on March 17, 2007, which by my count puts the effective date on June 15, 2007 (but don’t quote me on it!) Knudsen notes:

[I]t would be fantastic if we could get a system in place to support this law. Other states with similar laws have reported difficulty in enforcing the law (e.g. having a streamlined process for those who wish to make complaints against non-compliant employers).

She goes on to ask:

Do any of you have resources or recommendations for how to support those moms whose employers refuse to follow the law? Also, we would like to collect data on the effects of the law on breastfeeding rates and employer expenditures. Has any other state collected data like this and do you have any existing instruments we could use as a template?

Anyone with information that could help can contact Lissa Knudsen at lissaknudsen@gmail.com.

An additional breastfeeding bill remains pending in the New Mexico House Judiciary Committee at this time. Senate Bill 170 (PDF) would exempt breastfeeding mothers from jury duty. It’s interesting to note that the jury duty bill addresses the concerns we discussed earlier about a similar bill pending in Michigan as it would also excuse expectant mothers, a parent or guardian who is not employed full-time and has custody of a child under six years of age, and a caregiver for elderly or disabled persons.

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

The legislation would give a woman the right to breastfeed anywhere she has the right to be with her child. Graham’s press release says the legislation would also require an employer “to provide reasonable unpaid break-time, and a sanitary room or other location close to the work area where an employee can express breast milk in privacy and security.”

The Washington City Paper reports how former D.C. mayor and current councilmember Marion Barry had a little fun when the legislation was introduced. Barry, a co-sponsor of the bill, was recognized to speak.

“I was listening to Mr. Graham’s statement,” said Barry in a serious tone. “He indicated that breastfeeding tends to increase IQ.” Dramatic pause. “Let me just say, my mother breast-fed me.” Barry laughed, straightened his tie à la Rodney Dangerfield, then added: “So that might account for some of my, uh…”

Once the chuckles tailed off, Council Chairman Vincent Gray took control of situation. “We’ll allow you that comment on your birthday, Mr. Barry,” chided the chair.

The bill was referred to committee for review.

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

You famous when you can just go over to another country and pick up some kids like you’re shopping for vegetables…. I wish [Angelina Jolie] was adopting when I was coming up. I would have breast-fed till I was 37.

Um, okay Jamie. You lose points for sexualizing breastfeeding but gain points for at least understanding the fact that adoptive breastfeeding is possible!

Source: Fashion Monitor, January 17, 2007.

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

With that in mind, I’ve started a new poll:

To view all prior poll results, click here.

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3