Washington Becomes 5th State to Require Paid Lactation Breaks

Returning to work after having a baby is already challenging—especially in a country without guaranteed national paid leave. For parents who are breastfeeding or pumping, the transition can be even more demanding. While recent federal legislation like the PUMP Act has expanded workplace protections—most notably requiring a safe, private space to pump—78 percent of moms still report feeling overwhelmed by pumping at work.

That’s where stronger state-level protections are stepping in. Washington is the latest state to adopt expansive new policies to support lactating parents in the workplace. On May 20, Governor Ferguson signed a bill into law that will require all employers—regardless of size or religious affiliation—to implement pregnancy and postpartum accommodations by 2027.

Key accommodations under the new law include:

• Paid lactation breaks during work hours, at the employee’s regular rate of pay
• Covered travel time to reach a lactation space, if it’s not nearby
• Lactation breaks in addition to legally required meal and rest breaks
• No use of paid leave for lactation breaks or related travel time
• Flexible scheduling for postpartum medical visits (not just prenatal appointments)

With this law, Washington joins Georgia, New York, Illinois and Minnesota as the fifth state to mandate paid lactation breaks for employees across both public and private sectors. WorkLife Law, a national advocacy and research organization focused on strengthening legal protections for pregnant people and family caregivers, applauded the legislation and its broader implications.

“These changes show the power of states to protect the health of pregnant and postpartum workers and their families,” Jessica Lee, Co-Director of WorkLife Law said in a press release. “By providing paid lactation breaks, Washington has made it possible for workers to continue to nurse their child without worrying whether they will be able to make ends meet. WorkLife Law commends Governor Ferguson and the lactation advocates who moved this legislation forward, raising the bar for states across the country.”

Want to know your rights? Check out Pregnant@Work’s interactive map for workplace lactation laws in your state.