San Francisco Supe seeks to increase support for breastfeeding city employees

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Working moms are getting a boost from the city of San Francisco.

Legislation has been introduced to help them continue breastfeeding after returning to work.

For now, this effort only applies to moms who work for the city. It does not apply to moms who work for San Francisco-based companies.

The legislation introduced Tuesday by Supervisor Katy Tang makes it easier for moms to keep breastfeeding after they return to work.

It would allow employees to use normal paid breaks to pump. Employees could also request additional unpaid break time.

The legislation also calls for more breastfeeding rooms. The current one at City Hall provides a comfortable lactation space. It includes a sink, refrigerator and hospital grade pumps. The room even has inspiration posters for new moms, a far cry from using bathroom stalls.

"If you are stressed, or if there is noise, or other things going on, it is actually difficult for the milk to come out. And so when you are relaxed and you feel comfortable, then the milk flows a lot more easily," said Tang's aide Ashley Summers.

Women account for 40 percent of the city's full-time work force and 66 percent of its part-time work force.

According to a Center for Disease Control report from 2013, only 16 percent of women exclusively breastfeed six months after giving birth. City health officials hope to boost that figure.

The legislation will likely be voted on in the next two months.

Supervisor Tang tells says if it works out she hopes to inspire the private sector to follow suit.