Mila's Keeper Paid Leave and Lactation Policy
At Mila’s Keeper, we are more than a company—we’re a community, dedicated to the wellbeing and empowerment of breastfeeding mothers, both in the workplace, to our customers and as a committed advocate for paid leave. As a pending B-Corp certified organization, our mission to prioritize social impact and sustainable practices extends deeply to the support of our own employees. We believe that every mother deserves the right to nourish her child without compromising her career or well-being. Our Employee Paid Leave and Lactation Policy reflects our values and our commitment to fostering a compassionate, flexible work environment.
We recognize that the journey of parenthood takes many forms. This policy applies equally to all birthing and non-birthing parents, ensuring that every parent has the support they need to bond with and care for their child. Whether you are a birthing mother, a non-birthing parent, or a caregiver through adoption or surrogacy, our policy is designed to empower and nurture the parent-child relationship during the early stages of your child’s life.
Key Policy Provisions
- Paid Family Leave: We offer 12 weeks of fully paid leave to every breastfeeding mother, regardless of her employment status as a full-time or contract employee. This leave is available to employees who have worked with Mila’s Keeper consistently, without interruption, for at least 12 months. Pay will be based on the average monthly salary earned over the previous 12 months. Mothers also have the option to spread this paid leave over a longer period, enabling partial work during the third month if preferred.
- Flexible Work Hours: Recognizing the unpredictable needs of a growing family, we offer fully flexible work hours for up to one year, and beyond based on needs and mutual agreement by manager. Employees may adjust their schedules to prioritize feeding or care for their babies, as long as work commitments and agreed deadlines are met. We trust in the ability of each mother to balance her professional and personal responsibilities effectively.
- Lactation and Breastfeeding Support: Every employee will receive a complete suite of Mila’s Keeper products to support her milk storage and breastfeeding journey and a breast pump if not covered by insurance. We will also provide consults with a lactation consultant to support her success with breastfeeding. We are dedicated to providing the best tools and expertise so that every mother feels supported and valued, both in her role with Mila’s Keeper and in her role as a mother.
- On-Site Family Access: We welcome on-site employees to bring their baby to work, provided a caregiver is present. We believe in building a workplace where motherhood and career can coexist harmoniously, allowing each mother to remain close to her child and breastfeed without sacrificing her professional goals.
- Private Lactation Space: For employees on-site, we provide a designated lactation room to ensure privacy and comfort. This space will not be a bathroom and includes:
- A lockable door and complete visual privacy.
- Electrical outlets for convenient use of breast pumps.
- Access to a cleaning area for sanitizing pump parts.
- Refrigeration for milk storage.
- Comfortable seating and a table.
- An option to play music from a connected device, enhancing relaxation during pumping sessions.
- Copious pictures of her baby to encourage letdown and anything else which will accommodate her ability to breastfeed.
- Pumping Breaks: In addition to flexible scheduling, employees will have at least three paid daily breaks of 30 minutes each to pump as needed. These breaks are designed to respect the health needs of mothers and to ensure that breastfeeding goals remain achievable during work hours.
- Expansion of Benefits with Federal Paid Leave: Should Federal Paid Leave legislation in the US be enacted, it will enable us as a small business to expand our paid leave benefits, allowing us to further support the well-being and balance of our employees as they care for their families.
Through this policy, Mila’s Keeper stands firmly with every mother, providing the resources, flexibility, and encouragement to help her thrive in her dual roles. As a small, but mighty company, we strive to act as the model we want to see and to be an advocate for mothers in the workplace and to foster a culture of compassion, empowerment, and support. Together, we create an environment where mothers can lead with confidence, knowing they have a workplace that truly cares.
Mila’s Keeper commits to this Lactation Policy and will update it from time to time always in a continuous effort and intention of improvement.
Signed,
Lara Vu, MPH, CLES
Founder, CEO
