Breastfeeding Resources
1. PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act | Federal Law)
On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, into law. The law includes the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (“PUMP Act”), which extends to more nursing employees the rights to receive break time to pump and a private place to pump at work and may impact some of the other information provided below. Under the PUMP Act, most nursing employees have the right to reasonable break time and a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion to express breast milk while at work. This right is available for up to one year after the child’s birth.
2. New Jersey State Law Supports Breastfeeding
“Breastfeeding” is now a protected class under the NJ Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-12) (LAD), so it is illegal to discriminate against, harass or retaliate against a person in employment on the basis of their breastfeeding status.
P.L.2017, Chapter 263) *All New Jersey employers are covered by the NJLAD except certain federal government employers and independent contractors. If you think your pumping rights have been violated, you can file a complaint at the NJ Division on Civil Rights or file a lawsuit in NJ Superior Court.
New Jersey state law allows a mother to breastfeed anywhere she has a right to be, in both private and public settings.
New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has authorized the distribution of lactation signage to certain public facilities in pursuant with [P.L.2019, c.242].
3. New Jersey Breastfeeding Strategic Plan
The purpose of the Breastfeeding Strategic Plan is to provide a roadmap to identify and foster policy, environmental and systems changes to increase breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity in New Jersey. The plan will serve as a blueprint of concrete actions to be taken by government, the healthcare sector, businesses, insurance, education, and the community to better promote and support breastfeeding and to create a statewide environment that normalizes breastfeeding.
4. New Jersey Breastfeeding Coalition (NJBC)
The NJBC is dedicated to promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding. Your membership will help protect, promote, and support breastfeeding in New Jersey.
5. New Jersey WIC
The New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children is commonly known as WIC. WIC is a successful public health nutrition program that provides wholesome food, nutrition education and community support for income eligible women who are pregnant and post-partum, infants and children up to five years old.
6. Banked Human Milk Program
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers a human milk depot in partnership with Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast for babies in the newborn nursery and the neonatal intensive care unit. Mothers who are nursing and producing more milk than they need can give other babies a chance to receive breast milk when their mothers cannot provide it for them.
7. Zip Milk
ZipMilk is a site that provides listings for chest/breastfeeding resources sorted by ZIP Code. It is designed for use by consumers interesting in help or support for chest/breastfeeding, as well as by providers who want to give their clients access to such resources. These resources are not a substitute for medical advice.
8. Lactation Resources for Rutgers Residents & Fellows
As a Rutgers Resident... Rutgers NJMS is happy to provide accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions.
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