At Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes (Milk Bank WGL), we believe every baby deserves the best possible start in life through first foods: human milk. Our mission is to provide safe, pasteurized donor milk for fragile babies while supporting breastfeeding families across Illinois and Wisconsin.
With the passage of Illinois Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), nursing moms in Illinois are gaining stronger protections in the workplace. This law removes barriers for working parents, making it easier to provide breast milk for their babies.
What Is Illinois SB 212?
Senate Bill 212 (SB 212) was signed into law on August 1, 2025, and takes effect on January 1, 2026. The law updates the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace
Mama gets the job done.
Act with important new rights:
Nursing mothers will receive 30 minutes of paid break time each time they need to express milk, for up to one year after birth.
This time must be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay. Employers cannot deduct from vacation, sick leave, or unpaid time.
Employers must provide time and space for milk expression without reducing pay or penalizing mothers.
Why This Law Matters for Families
Breast milk is the first food babies need for healthy growth and development. It lowers the risk of infection, supports brain development, and provides comfort and bonding. For working mothers, however, continuing to breastfeed or pump can be difficult.
SB 212 is a critical step forward because it:
Reduces financial barriers by ensuring pumping breaks are paid.
Supports longer breastfeeding success by protecting milk expression during the workday.
Promotes equity so all families, regardless of income level, can continue breastfeeding.
How SB 212 Supports Donor Milk and Our Mission
At Milk Bank WGL, we see the impact of workplace protections every day:
Donor mothers often pump at work and generously share extra milk with fragile babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Recipient families depend on donor milk when a mother’s own supply is unavailable.
Hospitals and clinics partner with us to highlight the health benefits of human milk.
By ensuring mothers have the right to pump at work without losing wages, SB 212 makes it easier for families to both feed their own children and contribute to the donor milk supply that saves lives.
Building on Progress in Illinois
SB 212 builds on recent public health wins in Illinois. For example, Public Act 103-0160, effective January 2024, requires hospitals with maternity services to educate families about the option of donating milk to nonprofit milk banks like ours.
Together, these laws reflect a growing recognition that human milk is essential for infant health and that mothers deserve support at every stage: at home, in the hospital, and in the workplace.
FAQ: Illinois SB 212 and Breastfeeding Support
What does Illinois SB 212 mean for nursing mothers?
Illinois SB 212 guarantees paid breaks for milk expression at work. Nursing mothers can take 30 minutes each time they need to pump, up to one year after giving birth, without losing wages.
When does Illinois SB 212 go into effect?
The law goes into effect on January 1, 2026. Employers must comply by this date.
Does SB 212 apply to all Illinois employers?
Yes. The law applies to most workplaces covered under the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act, ensuring protections across industries and job types.
How does SB 212 support breastfeeding and donor milk?
By guaranteeing paid time to pump at work, the law helps mothers maintain their milk supply. This supports their own babies and, for some, makes it possible to donate milk to help fragile infants in NICUs.
Why is breast milk considered the first food?
Breast milk is called the “first food” because it is the natural, complete nutrition newborns need. It strengthens immunity, supports healthy development, and fosters bonding between mother and baby.
How You Can Support First Foods
Share the news: Let coworkers, friends, and families know about Illinois SB 212.
Support donor milk: If you have extra milk, consider becoming a donor through Milk Bank WGL.
Advocate in your community: Encourage employers and community spaces to go beyond the law and create welcoming environments for nursing mothers.
Partner with us: Healthcare providers, hospitals, and community leaders can help expand access to donor milk and breastfeeding support.
Conclusion
At Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, we celebrate Illinois SB 212 as a victory for nursing mothers, babies, and entire communities. Paid lactation breaks mean that more infants will receive breast milk, the first food that builds strong, healthy futures.
When mothers are supported, babies thrive. And when babies thrive, our communities grow stronger.
Together, we nourish the future.
