DAL 16-18 - Breastfeeding Mothers’ Bill of Rights

October 11, 2016

DHDTC DAL 16-18

Dear Chief Executive Officer:

This letter serves to inform you that Public Health Law, Section 2505-a, Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights, was amended through legislation to state that women have the right to breastfeed at child day care facilities and to take breaks to pump breast milk at work up to three years following childbirth (Labor Law § 206-c).

The revised Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights is available as a handout and as a poster (in two sizes) in PDF in English and six other languages at the following link: http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2028/.

A copy of the Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights must be conspicuously posted in a public place in each maternal health care facility and each child day care facility.

The Maternity Information leaflet was also revised and translated; it's available at the following link: http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2901/.

The Maternity Information leaflet and the Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights must be given to each patient or to the appointed personal representative at the time of prebooking or time of admission for pregnancy.

Thank you for your compliance with these requirements which support mothers' awareness of their breastfeeding rights.

Sincerely,

Ruth Leslie
Director
Division of Hospitals and Diagnostic & Treatment Centers