Starting next year, the County of Orange will provide lactation accommodation to all mothers who work in and do business with the county.
On Tuesday, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Employee Lactation Accommodation Policy to be effective January 1, 2020, as proposed by First District Supervisor Andrew Do.
“The County of Orange is committed to promoting an environment that supports breastfeeding among employees and the people who visit county facilities every day,” said Supervisor Do. “Mothers should not have to hide in restrooms or in cars anymore.”
Lactation Rooms at County Facilities
At the direction of the Board, the office of the county’s Chief Executive Officer identified current lactation rooms at County facilities available for county employees and for the general public. County staff will be available to assist the public with lactation room reservations.
Under the new policy, the CEO’s office will also identify county facilities where dedicated lactation rooms should be added or improved.
Lactation Accommodation Law
In 2001, the State of California passed the Lactation Accommodation Law, which required every employer to provide break time to accommodate employees wishing to express their breast milk in private.
“Here at the county, we aspire to serve all employees and residents with respect,” said Supervisor Do. “We want everyone to see the county as the best workplace of choice and feel comfortable using the many resources we provide.”
The County of Orange is the most recent municipal government in California to pass a countywide lactation policy, following San Diego County just this past summer.