Breastfeeding law in France

Hello, dear powerful 23 mai Paris tribe! Today we're going to tackle a subject that is both deeply personal and of considerable public importance: your rights as a breastfeeding mother in France. Perhaps you're counting down the days until you return to work and feeling a mixture of nervousness and longing, or perhaps you've felt uncomfortable breastfeeding in a café because of an indiscreet glance. We want you to know something very important: you're not alone, and the law is on your side.

At 23maiparis.com, we don't just create clothes that make you feel comfortable and beautiful, we also want to empower you with information. Because knowing your rights isn't just about knowing the laws, it's about having a shield, a tool and a voice to protect your breastfeeding and your baby's well-being. So make yourself a cup of tea, make yourself comfortable and join us to discover, in clear and simple language, what French law says about this act of love.

Why is it so important to talk about laws and breastfeeding?

Because breastfeeding, recognized by the WHO as the standard of excellence in infant nutrition, doesn't take place in a bubble. It takes place in the real world: at work, in parks, in restaurants, at home. And for a mother to be able to breastfeed for as long as she and her baby want, she needs a support network. The law is an essential part of this network.

Getting to know her brings you :

• Confidence: to breastfeed in public without fear.
• Safety : to demand proper conditions in your workplace.
• The power of negotiation : to engage in informed dialogue with your employer.
• Peace of mind: to focus on what really matters: enjoying the bond with your baby.

Your right to feed: breastfeeding in public places

Let's start with one of the most worrying topics of all. Can I breastfeed in a shopping mall? In a restaurant? In a park? The answer is a resounding YES.

In France, breastfeeding in public is a right. Several federal and state laws protect this act. The General Health Act and the General Act on the Rights of Children and Adolescents recognize the right to health and nutrition, of which breastfeeding is the cornerstone. Moreover, in many entities, such as the city of Paris, there are specific laws that explicitly prohibit restricting or conditioning the act of breastfeeding in any public space.

What does this mean in practical terms?

• No one can force you to cover yourself.
• No one can ask you to retire to the bathroom or a secluded area to breastfeed.
• No one can deny you access to an establishment because you're breast-feeding.

We're well aware that there's the law, and then there's the stares or inappropriate comments. But knowing that the law has your back gives you the strength to hold your head high, smile and continue feeding your baby with all the love and serenity in the world.

Your rights in the workplace

For many, the return to work is the most critical time for breastfeeding. This is where the law becomes your main ally. The rights of working mothers in France are mainly enshrined inArticle 123 of the Constitution and the Federal Labor Act (LFT).

We'll take you through them step by step:

1. Maternity leave (disability due to maternity)

• What is maternity leave? This is the compulsory rest period to which you are entitled before and after giving birth.
• Duration: The law provides for a total of 12 weeks (84 days). Traditionally, these were divided into 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after childbirth.
• Flexibility (very important!): Thanks to recent reforms, you now enjoy greater flexibility. With your doctor's and employer's permission, you can postpone up to 4 of the 6 weeks of prenatal leave after childbirth. This would allow you to enjoy up to 10 weeks with your baby before returning to work, valuable time to establish breastfeeding.

2. The breast-feeding period (breast-feeding leave)

• What is breastfeeding? Once your maternity leave is over and you return to work, the law grants you a special period of time to continue breastfeeding or expressing milk.
• Duration: This entitlement extends for six months from your return to work.
• Options (article 170, section IV of the LFT): The law gives you two options. The choice is yours, not your employer's!
• Option A: two additional breaks per day. You are entitled to two half-hour breaks during your working day to breastfeed or express milk.
• Option B: Reduced working day. You can choose to combine these two breaks and reduce your working day by one hour each day. This means you can arrive half an hour later and leave half an hour earlier, or arrive an hour later and leave an hour earlier.

3. The lactation room

• What is this? This is a physical space where you can exercise your right mentioned in the previous point.
• The law (warning!): Federal labor law stipulates that employers are obliged to provide an adequate and hygienic space for breastfeeding women to breastfeed or to express and store their milk.
• How should this space look? The law is clear. It's not a bathroom! It's not a storeroom! It must be a place :
• Private: with a comfortable, safe seat so that no one disturbs you.
• Hygienic : clean, safe and away from hazardous or contaminated areas.
• Suitable: Ideally, it should be equipped with a comfortable chair, a side table, outlets for electric breast pumps and, preferably, a refrigerator for storing expressed milk.

At 23maiparis.com, we know that the logistics of expressing milk at work are a challenge. That's why we've designed our nursing wear. Imagine arriving in the lactation room wearing one of our Breastfeeding dresseswhich give you quick, discreet access without having to undress. Or with one of our Breastfeeding t-shirtswhose opening system makes the process much easier. Feeling comfortable and wearing the right clothing reduces stress and helps you express milk more efficiently.

What can I do if my company isn't complying with the law? Steps to take

Unfortunately, not all employers know or respect these laws. If you find yourself in this situation, don't despair! Here's a roadmap for acting assertively and constructively:

1. Get informed and get ready: that's what you're doing. Know your rights well, quoting sections of the law if necessary.
2. Discuss proactively: Make an appointment with your line manager or human resources department. Explain your situation calmly and professionally. Sometimes, non-compliance with the law is due to a simple lack of awareness. You can present this as an opportunity for the company to improve and support its employees.
3. Make your request in writing: if dialogue doesn't work, formalize your request in writing. Ask that your right to breastfeed be respected and that a suitable breastfeeding room be made available, citing article 170 of the LFT. Keep a stamped copy or acknowledgement of receipt.
4. Look for allies: Talk to other mothers in your company. A joint request may carry more weight.
5. Seek legal advice: if the company refuses to comply, you can ask for help. The Federal Labor Defense Office (PROFEDET) offers free legal advice and representation to workers.

Make the law work for you: practical tips 23 mai Paris

• Plan your return: Before your leave ends, discuss with your employer how you intend to exercise your right to breastfeed. Deciding whether you'll take the two breaks or the full hour will help you organize your logistics.
• Choose smart clothing: that's where we excel! Investing in a few good quality nursing clothes will change your life. A nursing sweatshirt for air-conditioned days, or a Breastfeeding t-shirt to match your blazer, will let you breastfeed quickly and uncomplicatedly.
• Prepare your "breastfeeding at work kit": your breast pump, storage bags, a small cooler, breast shields, a small bottle of water and a healthy snack. Having everything at hand will give you peace of mind.
• Create your own tribe of support : at work and outside. Connecting with other moms who've been through the same thing is invaluable. You'll find further topics of support and interest on our blogs 23 mai Paris.

You're a mom with rights. Exercise your power!

Dear Mum 23 mai Paris, we want you to keep this message in mind: your decision to breastfeed is precious and protected. Laws are not just words on paper, they are society's recognition of the vital importance of your work. They are the structure that must support you so that you can support and nurture your baby.

Knowing your rights gives you the power to dialogue, to demand, to educate others and, above all, to live your breastfeeding with the freedom and dignity you deserve. Every time you breastfeed in public with confidence, every time you use your breastfeeding time at work, you pave the way for the mothers who will follow you.

At 23maiparis.com, we're with you every step of the way. From the information that empowers you to the clothes that envelop you and make your life easier. You're strong, you're capable and you have rights. Celebrate and exercise them!

Have you already exercised your breastfeeding rights? What advice would you give to a mom about to go back to work? Share your wisdom in the comments! Your story could be the light another mom needs.

With all the admiration and support of your tribe,

The 23maiparis.com team