Under the recently signed, federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, nearly all employers are required to provide “reasonable” breaks for mothers to express milk. 

Employers must also provide mothers a private location, other than a bathroom.  Organizations of fewer than 50 employees may be excluded if an “undue hardship” would otherwise result.  Such break time can be unpaid.

Note: Some states have already enacted similar legislation.  Therefore be sure to check state law.  Remember that the law that most benefits the employee applies.