The basic needs of breastfeeding employees are minimal. Across the United States businesses have created supportive work environments for breastfeeding employees, and have discovered that the return in cost savings and productivity among employees is worth the investment.

Basic needs for breastfeeding employees are described below. A comprehensive program that includes the following four components has been shown in business environments to provide the greatest return on investments.

1. Privacy for milk expression. This can be a woman’s private office (if it can be locked) or an onsite, designated lactation room(s) with an electrical outlet where breastfeeding employees can use a pump to express milk during the work period.
2. Flexible breaks and work options. Women need to express milk about every 3 hours, or two to three times during a typical work day. Each milk expression time takes around 15 minutes, plus time to go to and from the lactation room.
3. Education. Employer-provided information and resources accessible through the worksite during pregnancy and after the baby is born help prepare women for balancing the requirements for breastfeeding with their job responsibilities. This information is also beneficial for expectant fathers. Companies that provide lactation information and support for male employees and their partners have lower absenteeism rates among men and lower health insurance claims.
4. Support. A positive, accepting attitude from upper  management, supervisors and coworkers helps breastfeeding employees feel confident in their ability to continue working while breastfeeding.