Breastfeeding in Public

Chances are you won't be at home or in a private, comfortable place every time your baby gets hungry. Instead, you may be in the middle of eating a meal, running an errand, or sitting in the park. It's not uncommon to feel uncomfortable about the idea of breastfeeding in public. But you have the right-in most states-to feed your baby anytime, anywhere.

There is no national law about breastfeeding in public. It's up to your state to decide. In 49 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands, there are laws that allow moms to breastfeed in any public or private place.

Even with the laws on their side, many moms are still uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public. These tips for breastfeeding in public can help you feel more comfortable.

Pumping at Work

In most workplaces, women have the right to pump at work. The federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers law requires certain employers to provide breastfeeding moms time and space to pump. Specifically, this means:

• A private, functional space that isn't a bathroom, and
• A reasonable break time to pump each time you need to express milk while you're working.

This law covers most hourly and some salaried employees covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). If this doesn't apply to you, your state may have laws that protect your right to pump at work.

You have these rights for one year after your baby's birth. If you already get breaks, you can use that time to pump. Additional time may not be paid or authorized by your employer.

To learn more about your rights, ask WIC Breastfeeding staff about your state's laws.