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Can an employee breastfeed during working hours?

Verified 18 August 2022 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

Yes, the employee can breastfeed her child during working hours for 1 year from birth. We explain how breastfeeding is organised during working hours.

Yes, an employee can take time off work to breastfeed 1 hour a day, divided into 2 periods:

  • 30 minutes during morning work
  • 30 minutes in the afternoon

In the absence of agreement with the employer, this period is placed in the middle of each half-day of work.

Please note

this period of breastfeeding is reduced to 20 minutes if the employer provides employees with a room dedicated to breastfeeding (inside or near the premises assigned to the work).

No, these breaks are not paid.

However, treaty provisions may provide for such breaks to be remunerated.

The rules vary according to the number of employees in the company.

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Company of less than 100 employees

The employer is not obliged to provide a place for breastfeeding.

The employee may breastfeed in or out of the workplace.

Company of more than 100 employees

The employer may be required by the labour inspector to settle a nursing home in (or near) his or her establishment.

The breastfeeding room must meet the following requirements:

  • Separating any work space
  • Aeration and windows or other openings with movable frames directly facing the outside
  • Continuous air renewal
  • Proper lighting
  • With enough water or close to a sink
  • Equipped with suitable seats for breastfeeding
  • Constant state of cleanliness (daily cleaning and done out of the presence of children)
  • Suitable temperature in hygienic conditions

No, there is no specific leave for an employee to breastfeed her child after her maternity leave.

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