A working mother balances career and breastfeeding.

Working Mom Wins: How Breastfeeding Legislation Boosts Female Labor Force Participation

Avery Sinclair in Business & Economy June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the surprising impact of workplace breastfeeding laws on women's careers and the broader economy."

For decades, economists have been exploring the delicate balance between family life and career aspirations, particularly for women. The challenges of juggling motherhood and work have led to a growing interest in 'family-friendly' workplace policies and legislation designed to support working parents. While the United States lags behind many developed nations in providing comprehensive parental leave and part-time work entitlements, innovative policies are emerging to address the specific needs of working mothers, especially concerning breastfeeding.

One such policy gaining traction is state legislation that requires employers to provide breastfeeding amenities in the workplace. This seemingly small change can have a significant impact, considering that the acts of working and breastfeeding often compete for a mother's time. Studies show that breastfeeding can take up a substantial number of hours per week, presenting an opportunity cost in terms of reduced income and career advancement. How do these breastfeeding laws impact female labor force participation (FLFP)?

A recent study delves into this question, examining the effects of workplace breastfeeding legislation on women's labor force participation in the United States. By analyzing data from multiple sources, the research uncovers compelling evidence that these laws are not just beneficial for mothers and babies but also contribute to a more equitable and productive workforce.

The Positive Impact: Breastfeeding Laws Increase Female Labor Force Participation

A working mother balances career and breastfeeding.

The study, employing a rigorous 'staggered difference-in-differences' framework, analyzed data from the American Community Survey and the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. This approach allowed researchers to compare changes in female labor force participation in states that implemented breastfeeding legislation with those that did not, while also accounting for other factors that might influence women's employment decisions.

The findings reveal a consistent and significant positive impact of workplace breastfeeding legislation on female labor force participation. Specifically, the likelihood of women participating in the labor force increased by at least 1.5 percentage points in states with these laws. This increase was observed across both datasets and various specifications, strengthening the evidence that the legislation is indeed a contributing factor.

Increased Participation: Workplace breastfeeding legislation significantly increases the likelihood of women staying in the workforce.
Consistent Results: The findings held true across different datasets and analytical methods, bolstering the reliability of the conclusions.
Economic Benefits: By supporting breastfeeding mothers, these laws help to retain skilled and experienced women in the labor force, benefiting both families and the economy.

However, the study also notes variations in the timing and magnitude of the FLFP increases across the datasets, indicating that the impact of the legislation may unfold differently depending on the specific context and population being examined. Further analysis using data from the CDC's Infant Feeding Practices Survey and the Childhood and Adoption Supplement to the PSID reinforces the idea that these laws influence breastfeeding women, suggesting a broader impact on maternal and infant health.

The Bigger Picture: Supporting Working Mothers for a Stronger Economy

This research contributes to a growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of family-friendly policies in promoting gender equity and supporting women's career advancement. By removing barriers to breastfeeding, these laws not only improve maternal and infant health but also empower women to participate more fully in the workforce, benefiting both families and the economy as a whole. As more states consider implementing similar legislation, these findings provide valuable insights into the potential positive impact of such policies.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2209.05916,

Title: Workplace Breastfeeding Legislation And Female Labor Force Participation In The United States

Subject: econ.gn q-fin.ec

Authors: Julia Hatamyar

Published: 13-09-2022

Everything You Need To Know

How do workplace breastfeeding laws boost female labor force participation (FLFP)?

Workplace breastfeeding legislation has a significant positive impact on Female Labor Force Participation (FLFP). The study analyzed data and found that the likelihood of women staying in the workforce increased by at least 1.5 percentage points in states with these laws. This means more women are able to continue working while meeting their breastfeeding needs, leading to a more equitable and productive workforce. This is achieved because the laws provide accommodations that allow mothers to balance work and breastfeeding, which often compete for a mother's time.

What specific amenities are employers required to provide under workplace breastfeeding laws?

The text focuses on the overarching impact of the legislation and doesn't explicitly detail the specific amenities mandated. The focus is on the general requirement for employers to provide breastfeeding accommodations. This is considered a crucial aspect, as it helps remove barriers that prevent working mothers from both breastfeeding and maintaining their careers.

What research methods were used to study the impact of workplace breastfeeding legislation?

The study employed a rigorous 'staggered difference-in-differences' framework. Researchers analyzed data from the American Community Survey and the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. This allowed them to compare changes in Female Labor Force Participation (FLFP) in states that implemented breastfeeding legislation with those that did not, while also accounting for other factors that might influence women's employment decisions. Further analysis also used data from the CDC's Infant Feeding Practices Survey and the Childhood and Adoption Supplement to the PSID.

What are the broader economic implications of supporting breastfeeding mothers in the workplace?

Supporting breastfeeding mothers has significant economic benefits. By removing barriers to breastfeeding, these laws help to retain skilled and experienced women in the labor force. This benefits not only families but also the economy as a whole. The increase in Female Labor Force Participation (FLFP) contributes to a more productive workforce, leading to potential economic growth. This also aligns with promoting gender equity in the workplace and supporting women's career advancement.

Are there any variations in the impact of these laws, and what factors might influence them?

Yes, the study notes variations in the timing and magnitude of the increase in Female Labor Force Participation (FLFP) across different datasets. These variations suggest that the impact of the legislation may unfold differently depending on the specific context and the population being examined. Factors such as the specific demographics of the state, the existing workplace culture, and the availability of other family-friendly policies could influence the effectiveness of the legislation. The study also emphasizes that further analysis using data from additional sources strengthens the conclusions.