World Breastfeeding Week 2026 (August 1–7), led globally by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), centers on the theme: “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”
Returning to work is one of the biggest transitions in a parent’s breastfeeding journey. Without clear systems in place, many employees are left trying to figure out pumping schedules, milk storage, room access, and workplace expectations on their own.
But employers can make a meaningful difference.
Sustainable breastfeeding support goes beyond simply providing room to pump. It includes:
- Functional, well-managed lactation spaces
- Clear communication about room access and workplace expectations
- Flexibility for pumping breaks
- Access to education and lactation support before and after returning to work
- Workplace cultures where nursing parents feel supported, not stigmatized
Strong systems can have a lasting impact on how employees experience the return-to-work transition.
Employers helping lead the way
This World Breastfeeding Week, we also want to recognize organizations helping create more sustainable support systems for nursing parents in the workplace.
Our 2026 breastfeeding-friendly workplace honorees included:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (Itasca, IL)
- Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
- Baxter (Deerfield and Round Lake, IL)
- BP (Chicago, IL)
- CDW (Chicago and Vernon Hills, IL)
- CNA (Chicago, IL)
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP (Chicago, IL and nationwide)
- McDonald’s (Chicago, IL)
- Northern Trust (Chicago, IL)
- USG (Chicago, IL)
These organizations exemplify what it means to create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces through communication, flexibility, education, and thoughtful workplace support.
Breastfeeding support should not depend on luck or whether someone feels comfortable asking for help. When employers prioritize sustainable support systems, employees are better able to navigate both their feeding journey and their return to work with confidence.
Because employers are part of the solution.