Do I have to make up time spent pumping at work?

No. Under the federal PUMP Act, most workers cannot be forced to make up time spent on lactation breaks, cannot be penalized for taking them, and employers should adjust quotas, productivity metrics, and assignments accordingly.

What is the PUMP Act?

The PUMP Act is a federal law that gives lactating workers the right to take breaks as needed to pump for up to one year after giving birth. It also requires employers to provide a private, safe space (not a bathroom) for pumping.

Can my employer require me to work while pumping?

No. Working while pumping is entirely your choice. Your employer cannot require you to work during a pumping break, though if you choose to do both at once, that time may need to be paid, depending on your employment status.

Are lactation breaks paid or unpaid?

For most hourly workers, lactation breaks can be unpaid. However, there are specific situations—including when you're working while pumping—where you must be paid for that time.

What protections exist after my baby turns one?

After the one-year mark, the federal PUMP Act protections may no longer apply, but you may still have lactation break rights under state law or the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Should You Work While Pumping? The Law, Explained

Girlboss How-To Thursday in collaboration with Great Lakes Wellness.

Victoria here, Girlboss’ executive editor. 👋

Today's reader question comes from a busy working mom (who works from home!) trying to figure out whether or not she’s expected to pump and power through her to-do list at the same time. Turns out, the law actually has some solid protections in place—but most of us (and our bosses) just don't know about them. I asked Jessica Lee, co-director of the Center for WorkLife Law, to break it all down below. 🍼

Other stuff the Girlboss team is talking about on Slack:

Ella Langley just dethroned Mariah Carey!
Analog hobbies for when your brain is tired of screens. 💌
We were skeptical about collagen powders too. Then we tried these from Great Lakes Wellness.*

💼 Job of the day: Wanna work for Hailey Bieber? Duh! e.l.f. Beauty is hiring a Field Account Executive for rhode in San Francisco ($85K–$100K), where you'll be the on-the-ground face of the brand—owning Sephora relationships, leading trainings, and executing all those in-store moments you’ve seen all over IG. 💄

Should You Work While Pumping? Here's What the Law Actually Says

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