Section 7: Breastfeeding facilities

The breastfeeding room provided for in article L. 1225-32 is: 1° Separated from any work premises; 2° Ventilated and equipped with windows or other openings with movable frames giving direct access to the outside; 3° Provided with a continuous air renewal system; 4° Suitably lit; 5° Provided with sufficient water or close to a washbasin; 6° Provided with seats suitable for breastfeeding; 7° Kept in a constant state of cleanliness….

In establishments subject to special health and safety provisions at work, the breastfeeding room is separate from any room used for work for which these special provisions have been laid down. This separation is such that the room is protected against the risks which motivated these provisions.

Children may only stay in the breastfeeding room for as long as is necessary for breastfeeding. No child suffering from or appearing to suffer from a contagious disease may be admitted to this room. Measures are taken to prevent any risk of contamination. A child who, after admission, appears to be suffering from a contagious disease must not be kept on the premises.

The breastfeeding room is large enough to accommodate a number of children under the age of one, given the number of women employed in the establishment.

The breastfeeding room has a ceiling height of at least three metres. It must have a surface area of at least three square metres per child. A single room may not contain more than twelve cots. However, if the number of children exceeds this maximum, the Regional Director for Business, Competition, Consumer Affairs, Labour and Employment may temporarily authorise the maximum number of cots to be exceeded. When there are…

The breastfeeding room has no direct communication with toilets, sewers or cesspools. It must be kept free from any noxious fumes.

The floor and wall coverings in the breastfeeding room are easy to clean and are redone whenever cleanliness is required.

The employer provides a cot and bedding for each child. It shall also provide sufficient linen to enable the children to be changed as often as necessary. The equipment and effects must be kept in a good state of maintenance and cleanliness at all times. During the night, all items of bedding are arranged so that they can be aired.

The breastfeeding room is staffed exclusively by a sufficient number of qualified personnel. These staff keep themselves in a state of rigorous cleanliness.

The following records are kept: 1° A register in which the surname, first names and date of birth of each child, the name, address and profession of the mother, the date of admission, the vaccination record and the child’s condition at the time of admission and, if applicable, at the time of readmission are recorded; 2° A register in which the children present each day are recorded by name.