lactation accommodation

LACTATION ACCOMMODATION POLICY

City-wide lactation accommodation policy to support the rights of our employed mothers to continue breastfeeding after they return to work.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A list of the most commonly asked questions about implementation of the lactation accommodation policy.

DESIGNATED LACTATION ROOMS

For information about designated lactation rooms, please contact your Reasonable Accommodations Coordinator.

INTERNET RESOURCES

Breastfeeding Resources:

• Breastfeeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles: The Task Force is an advocacy organization that provides up-to-date resources to support breastfeeding.
• CDC's Breastmilk Storage Guidelines: This website provides current information on how to safely store breastmilk at work.
  
• Kellymom's Working and Breastfeeding Resources: Kellymom provides information and advice on how to make breastfeeding and working work for you as well as other science based breastfeeding information.
• La Leche League: Organization dedicated to helping mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
• OSHA's definition of Breast Milk: According to OSHA, breast milk is not included in the standard definition of "potentially infectious materials." Therefore, contact with breast milk does not constitute an occupational exposure as defined by the standard. To read more about this go to their website.
• WomensHealth.gov - Breastfeeding Support: This website is a special project of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health. You can find information on a number of women related health issues and breastfeeding.
• Women, Infant & Children: WIC is a federally-funded health and nutrition program for women, infants, and children. Some employed mothers may be eligible for a FREE double electric breast pump. If you are an hourly or part-time employee, you may be eligible for WIC benefits. Click here for more information about the Women, Infant & Children Program.

CHILD CARE RESOURCES

The City of Los Angeles has child care services available through the Joy Picus Child Development Center (located in City Hall South). The childcare center serves over 100 children from 6 weeks through 5 years of age. For information or enrollment, contact the Child Care Center directly at 213- 978-0026.

• Child Care Resource Center - Los Angeles: Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) assists parents, child care professionals, employers, and local communities in all matters related to early care and education.
• County of Los Angeles, Office of Child Care: This County program offers Child Care Referral listings as well as other resources.
  

CHILD CARE RESOURCES

• City of Los Angeles, Employee Assistance Program

Employers who implement lactation accommodation policies and programs will reduce health care costs and absenteeism, while increasing retention and morale. Technical assistance on the implementation of this policy is provided by the Breastfeeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's RENEW LA County.

RENEW LA County is made possible by a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative.