Rights for Minnesota Nursing Mothers

Minnesota law protects nursing mothers both inside and outside of the workplace. Mothers may breast-feed in any location, public or private, so long as the mother and child are authorized to be in that location. This generally includes places like parks, malls, stores, and restaurants.

Minnesota law gives breast-feeding mothers additional rights in the workplace. Reasonable, unpaid break times must be given to an employee who needs to express breast milk. And reasonable efforts must be made to provide nursing mothers with a private room or other location – not a bathroom or toilet stall – to do so. The private location must be shielded from view and free from intrusion by others, and must include access to an electric outlet. In addition, nursing mothers may not be retaliated against for asserting their rights. These rules apply to any Minnesota employer who employs one or more persons.

For questions regarding this or any other issues employment issues, contact Joseph Gangi at Farrish Johnson Law Office at 507-625-2525.