When you have a newborn child, you try to make sure you give him or her the best care possible. Like many women, you may choose to breastfeed instead of using formula. However, if you have a career, this means taking time out of your day to pump milk.

Although federal law requires employers to provide a space for breastfeeding mothers to pump, many companies do not comply. Employees at Frontier Airlines recently filed a lawsuit claiming the company's policies do not let new mothers pump at work.

Pilots and flight attendants had no private space

The lawsuit alleges that Frontier did nothing to accommodate breastfeeding pilots and flight attendants. The airline made no efforts to provide a private space for pumping. Some of the mothers chose to delay going back to work, using unpaid leave so they could have time to breastfeed. Others felt forced to stop breastfeeding at all since there was no space for pumping.

Frontier denied employees breaks to pump

The airline also didn't allow female pilots to take breaks for pumping. One pilot said human resources for the company discouraged her from breastfeeding. They told her that pumping would keep her away from the cockpit for too long. However, pilots can take regular bathroom breaks during flights while the co-pilot takes over.

Your choices for your child may be protected

Your child's care is important to you. If you feel formula is not the best option to feed your child, you don't want to compromise. But if your company won't let you take breaks to pump in a private room, you may find yourself with no other choice.

However, federal laws protect many mothers who want to return to work but also breastfeed their children. If your employer refuses to provide you with accommodations, you may have protections.