%404x.png)
Massachusetts Sets a Standard for Lactation Support
Sources:
Massachusetts government guidance: Employers must provide reasonable break time as often as necessary for one year after childbirth, and a private location (not a bathroom) for milk expression.
Massachusetts requires that the lactation space include a table, place to sit, and electrical outlet.
Key Requirements Employers Must Know
Reasonable break time for milk expression, aligning breaks as needed (typically up to one year postpartum).
A private space, separate from bathrooms, free from intrusion, accessible, and safe for pumping.
The space must include a chair, a flat surface, and electrical outlets for breast pump use.
Access to refrigeration or cold storage options for safe milk storage (implied through general state law’s functional requirements).
Policies applied consistently—ensuring equitable treatment for all nursing employees (implied by fair accommodation doctrine).
These provisions apply to most employers regardless of size. The PWFA mandates accommodations unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the employer.
The Impact on Massachusetts Workplaces
In Massachusetts, where many companies are located in dense urban areas or housed in older buildings, providing a proper lactation room can feel like a logistical challenge. Space limitations, lack of plumbing, or the need to retrofit existing offices can create barriers. Yet these challenges highlight the importance of smart, flexible solutions that make compliance straightforward.
Nessel Solutions for Massachusetts Compliance
Nessel makes it easy for Massachusetts employers to meet and exceed state requirements with a range of thoughtful solutions:
Lactation Pods — Private, soundproof spaces with built-in seating, surfaces, power, and options for refrigeration or sinks
Lactation Station — A plug-and-play solution with ergonomic chair, desk surface, integrated outlets, and compact sanitation features
Lactation Chair — Purpose-built seating for pumping comfort, designed with easy-clean materials and bottle holders
Portable Sink — Plumbing-free sanitation that supports health and hygiene wherever lactation rooms are located
In addition to products, Nessel provides policy support and consulting, helping employers integrate Massachusetts’ legal requirements into daily operations. By choosing Nessel, businesses can move from basic compliance to creating spaces that truly reflect care, inclusivity, and productivity.
Request a quote today!
Let us help you create supportive lactation space
with our ergonomic pumping chair.
%404x.png)
