Unlike the US, not all countries have legal requirements for a Mother’s Room/ Lactation rooms. However, just because there is not a legal requirement, does not mean there isn’t a compelling case for companies to implement

According to Business Group’s Parent Package (NEW LINK), a study of multiple companies with lactation support programs found positive outcomes:

• An average retention rate of 94%, compared to a national average of 59%
• 10 Employers also experience business savings associated with decreased absenteeism and lower health care costs.

However, according to Ovia Health’s 2018 survey, only 34% of women working for large employers (1,000+) said they have breastfeeding supports in their workplace.

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Lactation Location Requirements (U.S.)

The US Department of Labor regulations includes the following related to the Location requirements:

• A bathroom, even if private, is not a permissible location under the Act
• Must be functional as a space for expressing breast milk
• If the space is not dedicated to the nursing mother’s use, it must be available when needed in order to meet the statutory requirement.
• A space temporarily created or converted into a space for expressing milk or made available when needed by the nursing mother is sufficient provided that the space is shielded from view, and free from any intrusion from co-workers and the public

Lactation Location Requirements (Global)

According to the International Labour Organization,1

• 121 countries allow for working breaks (or a reduction in hours) for nursing mothers. 114 requires that these be paid. This represents:
  • 79% of African countries.
  • 69% of Asian countries.
  • 79% of Eastern European and Central Asian countries.
  • 69% of Latin American and Caribbean countries.
  • 80% of Middle Eastern countries.
• 31% of countries have legislation requiring facilities for nursing mothers. Some require space for child care while others require a space for expressing and storing milk.

Sample Legislation

Brazil

Brazil rule requires sanitary lactation rooms for women to express and store milk in hygienic conditions.

Philippines

Philippines law necessitates a lactation station that is not in the toilet and has all necessary equipment and facilities (refrigeration, electricity, hand-washing, comfortable seats, etc.)

Saudia Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, instead of a lactation room, employers must have a suitable place with an adequate number of babysitters to watch children under the age of 6.

Best Practice Design: American Institute of Architect Recommendations

American Institute of Architects outlines best practices for employer designed lactation rooms which includes specifications for size, location, temperature, furniture and amenities

International Labour Organization Recommendation

“A basic breastfeeding facility can simply be a small, clean space with a chair. There should be a screen, curtain or door for privacy, access to clean water and secure storage space for expressed milk. More elaborate facilities offer a refrigerator or an electric outlet for an electric breast pump.”

Features of a permanent dedicate lactation room, per Business Group data