U: 60 percent of nursing mothers lack adequate workplace accommodations

Less than half of nursing mothers in the U.S. have access to adequate workplace accommodations while breastfeeding, according to University of Minnesota study.

The U analyzed the survey responses of 2,400 women who had given birth between 2011 and 2012. Forty percent said they had both the time to pump breast milk at work and could use a private space that wasn't a bathroom.

Low income women were the least likely to have these accommodations, said study author Katy Kozhimannil.

"That's a group of women that already face disproportionate barriers to breastfeeding so attention to places where these women work is going to be really important to making sure everyone has equal access to these accommodations that support health and breastfeeding," she said.

The Affordable Care Act requires that all employers with more than 50 employees provide adequate time and space for nursing mothers.

Kozhimannil says 15-minute breaks every three hours and a private room with an outlet and sink are what women need to pump breast milk comfortably.