Key takeaways: All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have laws that allow breastfeeding in public or private places. Federal law protects breastfeeding on federal property, and the PUMP Act gives most workers break time and a private, non-bathroom space to pump. Laws vary in details, so check your state.
You have the right to feed your baby. Here’s what the law says in the U.S. and tips for feeling confident.
State Laws
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have laws specifically allowing people to breastfeed in any public or private location. Many states also exempt breastfeeding from public indecency laws. Some states have laws about jury duty exemptions and workplace pumping. Details vary, so check NCSL for your state’s laws.
Federal Property
Federal law protects breastfeeding anywhere on federal property where the mother and child are otherwise allowed to be. The Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act requires lactation spaces in many public federal buildings.
At Work: The PUMP Act
The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (2022) expanded federal protections. For most employees, employers must provide:
- Reasonable break time to pump for up to 1 year after the child’s birth.
- A private space that isn’t a bathroom, shielded from view and free from intrusion.
Some small employers may be exempt if it would cause undue hardship. The U.S. Department of Labor has details and a complaint process.
Airports
Many U.S. airports have lactation spaces, and federal law requires many medium and large airports to provide them. TSA allows breast milk in carry-ons in quantities over 3.4 ounces.
Feeling Comfortable
- Practice at home in front of a mirror if you’re nervous.
- Wear easy-access clothing: nursing tops, layering a tank under a shirt.
- Use a cover only if you want to. Some babies don’t like them.
- Find a comfortable spot to sit.
- Bring a support person for your first outings.
If Someone Objects
- Stay calm. You can say, “I’m feeding my baby, and it’s legal here.”
- Ask to speak with a manager if you’re at a business.
- Know your state’s law.
The Bottom Line
In the U.S., you have the right to breastfeed in public, and most workers have the right to pump at work. Know your state’s law and feed your baby with confidence.
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Sources
- National Conference of State Legislatures. Breastfeeding state laws. https://www.ncsl.org
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. FLSA protections to pump at work. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pump-at-work
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. Breastfeeding in public. https://www.womenshealth.gov
- Transportation Security Administration. Traveling with children: formula, breast milk and juice. https://www.tsa.gov
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
