I know this is a controversial subject in the minds of some, but opinions are changing.

Over the years, many studies have been done on the benefits of nursing an infant. The practice has been shown to reduce a child's risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Children are less prone to conditions like asthma, type 1 diabetes, and obesity, and even have a smaller chance of suffering from childhood leukemia.

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But wait, there's more. Further studies show fewer cases of autism and ADHD in babies who have been breastfed for at least the first six months of their lives.

Deciding how to feed a newborn is a personal decision, and there are a lot of things to consider, especially if the mother plans to return to work.

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Is it Legal to Nurse a Baby or Pump Breastmilk at Work in Arizona?

Returning to work can be tricky for a woman who's decided to nurse her baby. Thankfully, you're free to make an informed choice in Arizona.

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Breastfeeding or pumping at work is a right protected by law, thanks to the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. Signed into law on December 29, 2022, this act expanded protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to ensure more nursing employees can pump at work.

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Breastfeeding is a natural act, and courts have ruled that indecent exposure laws don't apply to a mother nursing or pumping milk for her baby. It's not considered to be inappropriate or obscene.

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What if Arizona Employers Don't Support Nursing Mothers?

Under the PUMP Act, mothers are allowed reasonable break times to pump breast milk. This is guaranteed for up to a year after a child's birth.

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Mothers should also be offered a private space for pumping - and no, the bathroom doesn't count. This space has to be shielded from view and free from intrusion to provide the mother privacy.

What if you can't get your office or workplace on board?

If they don't comply, your workplace could face legal consequences; an employee can file a complaint with the Department of Labor or even take legal action. There could be penalties, fines, or lawsuits if your workplace doesn't support nursing mothers.

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It's comforting to know parents have a choice and don't have to defend their decision with their employer.

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The law supports working mothers in Arizona, so they don't have to choose between their job and their baby's health.

Sources: La Leche League of Arizona | Arizona Breastfeeding Laws | Arizona Department of Health & Human Services | AZ Breastfeeding | Medical Journal: Pediatrics / Advantages of Breastfeeding | FLSA

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