Is it illegal to pump breast milk in public?
Asked by: Johanna Corwin | Last update: October 10, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (9 votes)
Laws, Regulations and Guidelines Moms can legally breastfeed in public in every state, including Texas. Federal and state laws ensure employers support a woman's right to pump her breastmilk at work. Moms also have rights when it comes to child care settings, breastfeeding supplies and support, and airline travel.
Can you pump breast milk in public?
If you feel comfortable pumping in public, you absolutely should continue to do so. However, if you prefer to find a private space or use a cover-up to avoid unwanted attention, that's completely understandable too. Ultimately, the most important thing is doing what feels right for you and your baby.
What states are illegal to breastfeed in public?
All fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have laws that specifically allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location. Thirty-one states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands exempt breastfeeding from public indecency laws.
Do you have to cover up when breastfeeding in public?
Do I have to cover up while breastfeeding in public? By law, you do not need to cover up when you breastfeed in public. But you can and should do so if it makes you or your baby more comfortable. All public establishments in the United States are open for breastfeeding with or without a cover.
Is breastfeeding considered indecent exposure?
And, by the way, breastfeeding in public is not illegal and is not indecent exposure -- anywhere! Many states have laws expressly saying this. Some moms even carry a copy of the law in their diaper bag or purse.
UNM mom told to pump breast milk in public room
Is it inappropriate to breastfeed in public?
That means it is illegal for someone to ask you to leave a public area to breastfeed. The NCSL also outlines that in 31 states, breastfeeding laws exempt nursing parents from public indecency laws, meaning no one can claim it is inappropriate or immodest for you to breastfeed without a cover in public places.
Is it illegal for a woman to expose her breasts?
It is illegal to: exposes one's genitals or anus or for a woman to expose the areola or nipple of her breast or breasts. when another person is present. with reckless disregard about whether the other person would be offended or alarmed by the act.
Is it illegal to ask someone to cover up while breastfeeding?
To answer the question: NO. Public breastfeeding does NOT constitute disorderly conduct even if the breast is briefly exposed.
What is the federal law for lactation?
Federal law (FLSA §7 ) requires employers to provide reasonable break time and safe place for a non-exempt employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for one year. California law (LAB §1030) extends these protections to any employee for as long as employee is nursing her child.
Is it illegal to breastfeed in a moving car?
As a mom, I understand the need to make certain that our children are fed in a timely fashion particularly when they are babies. But, for the saftey of your baby, your baby needs to be in his or her carseat. That is the law. As such, it is not legal to breastfeed your child while driving around.
What is the pump act?
The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (“PUMP Act”) is a new law that makes several important changes to the Break Time for Nursing Mothers law, which has required since 2010 that employers nationwide provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for lactating employees to pump milk during the workday.
Where are you not allowed to breastfeed?
Know your rights. You should not ever be made to feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public. It is illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place, such as a cafe, shop or public transport.
How to nurse discreetly in public?
- Know your rights. ...
- Find a comfortable place. ...
- Create your own private space. ...
- Wear clothing that makes it easier to nurse. ...
- Carry a lightweight blanket or cloth to cover. ...
- Consider baby slings or wraps. ...
- Watch for your baby's feeding cues. ...
- Scout out places to nurse.
What states is it illegal to breastfeed in public?
Parents in all 50 states have the right to breastfeed in public and all breastfeeding employees are protected by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Some states provide additional protections.
What are the rules for pumping breast milk?
About the Law
Under the PUMP Act, most nursing employees have the right to reasonable break time and a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion to express breast milk while at work. This right is available for up to one year after the child's birth.
How do you discreetly pump in public?
A bag for your pump and small cooler with great ice packs are necessities. I used a nursing cover so I was able to pump comfortably in airport terminals, on planes, and in restaurants without having to find a private space. Most people won't even notice what you are doing.
When did breastfeeding in public become legal?
As of July 2018, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands have passed legislation that explicitly allows women to breastfeed in public.
Can your employer make you clock out to pump?
Under the FLSA, nursing employees are entitled to reasonable break time and a private space to pump at work for up to one year after their child's birth. The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) amended the FLSA to expand these rights to more nursing employees.
What is the Mamava pump Act?
The Federal PUMP Act requires a private lactation space for all breastfeeding employees to pump. The PWFA increases protections for pregnant and breastfeeding workers. These laws require dedicated lactation areas in every terminal in all small, medium, and large hub airports.
Do I have to cover up to breastfeed in public?
If you choose to have your chest covered during breastfeeding in public, that is your choice and your right, just as it is your choice and right not to!
Is it OK for my wife to breastfeed me?
While the practice isn't commonly discussed, some people enjoy adult breastfeeding. You might want to experiment with this practice for many reasons, though you might also find it uncomfortable. There aren't major health concerns in most cases, so if you're intrigued, free to try breastfeeding your husband or partner.
Can my employer ask me to stop breastfeeding?
You have the right to express breastmilk at work.
Most employers in California are required to provide you with a private room and a reasonable amount of break time to pump at work.
Is showing nipples in public illegal?
In general, indecent exposure (sometimes referred to as public indecency) is the deliberate exhibition of a person's private parts (genitals, buttocks and/or female nipples) in a public location. Breastfeeding mothers are exempt from prosecution for exposing their breasts in public in most states.
Is it illegal to wear a Bra in public?
First things first: There are literally no rules, which is to say laws, that govern women's underwear.
Can you be shamed for breastfeeding in public?
Breastfeeding mothers may risk shame if they breastfeed, particularly in public, due to exposure of the sexualised maternal body. Those who do not breastfeed may experience shame through 'failing' to give their infant the 'best start'.