Can I get breastfeeding leave?
Yes: they're the daily rest periods for breastfeeding (hourly rest). Within the child's first year of life, the employed mother is entitled to paid daily rest periods (the so-called "breastfeeding leave", due regardless of actual breastfeeding). Usually they're 2 hours a day if the working schedule is at least 6 hours; 1 hour if the daily schedule is under 6 hours. For a multiple birth, the hours double. The rest periods are paid (the benefit is borne by INPS) and don't reduce pay. In certain cases the father can use them (e.g. if the mother isn't an entitled employed worker, in exclusive custody, or if the mother waives them). The request is filed with the employer and, for the benefit, with INPS.
📋 The rules
- Daily rest periods within the child's first year
- 2 hours a day (schedule ≥ 6 hours); 1 hour if < 6 hours
- Multiple birth: the hours double
- Paid (benefit borne by INPS)
- In certain cases the father can use them
🔓 Exceptions
- The father uses them if the mother isn't entitled, waives them or in exclusive custody
- Multiple birth: the hours double (the extra hours also for the other parent)
- A right distinct from parental leave and maternity leave
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Breastfeeding rest periods are a right: the employer can't deny them or penalise their use, and dismissal for this reason would be unlawful. They must be used for their purpose (caring for the child in the first year): abuse can entail consequences. The benefit is paid by INPS, on request, and the rest periods don't reduce pay. To use them, notify the employer and file the request with INPS for the benefit. Remember it's a right distinct from maternity leave and parental leave, and can be combined with these within the limits. Keep the documentation of the request.
📎 Official sources
- INPS · Daily rest periods for breastfeeding →
- Normattiva · Lgs. Decree 151/2001 (daily rest periods, art. 39 ff.) →
- Ministry of Labour · Maternity and work-life balance →
❓ Frequently asked
How many hours of breastfeeding leave am I entitled to?
Usually 2 hours a day if the working schedule is at least 6 hours, or 1 hour if the daily schedule is under 6 hours. For a multiple birth the hours double. The rest periods are due within the child's first year of life and are paid.
Until when can I use breastfeeding leave?
Within the child's first year of life. After the first year, the right to daily breastfeeding rest periods ends. To care for the child after the first year you can use other arrangements, like parental leave, which has its own rules.
Is breastfeeding leave paid?
Yes. The daily breastfeeding rest periods are paid: the benefit is borne by INPS and they don't reduce pay. So they're fully covered, unlike other leaves (like leave for a child's illness) that are generally unpaid.
Can the father also get breastfeeding leave?
In certain cases yes. The employed father can use the daily rest periods, e.g. if the mother isn't an entitled employed worker, in case of the child's exclusive custody by the father, or if the mother, though entitled, waives them in favour of the father.
Can the employer deny me breastfeeding leave?
No, if you qualify. Breastfeeding rest periods are a right and the employer can't deny them or penalise their use; a dismissal for this reason would be unlawful. You must notify the employer of the use and file the request with INPS for the benefit.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “breastfeeding leave 2 hours”
- “daily rest breastfeeding first year”
- “breastfeeding schedule under 6 hours 1 hour”
- “breastfeeding leave multiple birth”
- “breastfeeding leave father”
- “breastfeeding leave paid inps”