Stevensville School District

PERSONNEL 

Breastfeeding in the School and Workplace

Recognizing that breastfeeding is a normal part of daily life for mothers and infants and that Montana law authorizes mothers to breastfeed their infants where mothers and children are  authorized to be, the District shall support women who want to continue breastfeeding after returning from maternity leave.

The District shall provide reasonable unpaid break time each day to an employee or who needs to express milk for a child. The District is not required to provide break time if to do so would unduly disrupt the District’s operations. Supervisors are encouraged to consider flexible schedules when accommodating employees’ needs. Building administrators are authorized to work with teachers to provide students necessary time to express milk for a child.

The District shall make reasonable efforts to provide a room or other location, other than a toilet stall, where an employee or student can express breast milk and access to a place to store expressed breast milk safely. The available space shall include the provision for lighting and electricity for the pump apparatus. If possible, supervisors and building administrators shall ensure that those employees or students in need of such accommodations shall be aware of them prior to maternity leave.

Legal Reference:
§ 39-2-215, MCA Public employer policy on support of women and breastfeeding – unlawful discrimination
§ 39-2-216, MCA Private Place for nursing mothers
§ 39-2-217, MCA Break time for nursing mothers
37.111.811, ARM Physical Requirements

Policy History:
Adopted on: September 9, 2008
Reviewed on: September 14, 2021
Revised on: October 12, 2021