Breastfeeding Support Program
Johns Hopkins Commitment
Johns Hopkins recognizes the positive benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your child. We are committed to providing you with the information and support you need if you choose to breastfeed after returning to work.
Having a baby is a major life transition. Continuing to breastfeed after you return to work adds a daily activity that needs to fit into your work day and environment. The Johns Hopkins Breastfeeding Support Program is here to help make the transition easier so that you can breastfeed for as long as it is the best choice for you and your baby.
Experts Say …
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of your baby’s life, and continue breastfeeding with the addition of complementary foods until your baby is at least one year old.
Surgeon General Dr. Regina M. Benjamin of the US Department of Health and Human Services stresses the importance of everyone supporting the successful continuation of breastfeeding after you return to work.
The Law
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) made significant progress to support breastfeeding by including new insurance guidelines that require insurance companies to cover certain women’s preventive services such as breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling.
In addition, the ACA amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 by requiring employers to provide reasonable break time and a place, other than a restroom, that is private and clean for a mother to express milk.
Policies—federal, state, and major health organizations—support your goal of continuing to breastfeed your baby after you return to work.
Johns Hopkins Policies Regarding Reasonable Break Time for Nursing Mothers
Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation and Johns Hopkins Hospital, XV.e on page 12