Once you've moved beyond the early newborn phase and started to feel more comfortable with breastfeeding, new challenges often come up. Whether it's feeding your baby in public or pumping when returning to work, understanding your rights can make a big difference in your confidence and experience.
Here's a breakdown of key legal protections for breastfeeding moms—both in public spaces and at work—and what to do if you ever feel your rights aren't being honored.
Breastfeeding in Public: Yes, You're Legally Allowed
Good news: breastfeeding in public is legal in all 50 U.S. states, plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. That means you're fully protected to breastfeed your baby at restaurants, parks, stores, or any public or private space.
However, laws can vary slightly from state to state. It's a smart move to look up your local regulations—some moms even print their state's law or save a digital version on their phone to have on hand in case anyone questions them.
Your Rights to Pump at Work
Planning to return to work? There are federal laws that protect your right to pump on the job.
Two main laws cover most employees:
- Break Time for Nursing Mothers (2010)
- The PUMP Act (2023)
These laws require employers to:
- Provide a private, non-bathroom space for pumping
- Offer reasonable break time to express milk
- Extend protections to a wider range of employees, including teachers, nurses, farm workers, and more
These protections apply to moms with babies under one year of age. If you're unsure how this applies to your job, check in with your HR department—state laws may offer even more support.
Remote Work & Pumping: What You Should Know
Working from home? You're still covered. In 2023, the Department of Labor issued guidelines to ensure remote workers also have rights.
Employers must:
- Allow reasonable break time for pumping through baby's first year
- Ensure breaks are built into the workday (especially if under 20 minutes)
- Respect privacy for pumping—including when on virtual meetings or video calls
These rights apply even if you're not working from a traditional office.
What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated
Unfortunately, not all employers or public establishments follow the law. If you face resistance or discrimination, here's how to protect yourself:
In Public:
- Calmly refer to your state's breastfeeding law
- Report the incident to management or customer service
- Share your experience online (if comfortable)—it can raise awareness
- Contact your local ACLU chapter or state rep for further action
At Work:
- Open a dialogue with your manager or HR before returning from maternity leave
- Connect with other moms in your workplace who have pumped before
- If issues persist, reach out to the U.S. Department of Labor or a local labor advocate
Find Support Through Community
Navigating breastfeeding and pumping isn't always easy—but you don't have to do it alone. Joining a support group (online or in person) can connect you with moms who understand what you're going through and can share helpful advice from real experience.
Remember, you have the right to feed your baby whenever and wherever you need to—and your journey deserves support, not shame.