Alaska

Breastfeeding in Alaska

Breastfeeding in Alaska is supported by a range of laws, programs, and resources designed to ensure that parents can breastfeed their infants safely and comfortably, whether at home or in public.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding

Right to Breastfeed in Public

In Alaska, parents have the legal right to breastfeed in any public or private location. There are no restrictions on where a parent can breastfeed, and the law ensures that breastfeeding mothers in Alaska are exempt from public indecency laws and jury duty. Learn more: Alaska Statutes on Breastfeeding.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

Alaska does not have any state laws protecting breastfeeding at work.. However, under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), employers are required to provide reasonable break times and a private, non-bathroom space for employees to express breast milk during working hours. This ensures that breastfeeding employees have the ability to pump milk during the workday without being subjected to undue hardship.

Support for Breastfeeding Families
Alaska Breastfeeding Coalition (ABC): ABC is a nonprofit organization working to promote and support breastfeeding in Alaska. They offer resources, education, and advocacy to help families overcome barriers to breastfeeding, including outreach to rural communities.

WIC Program: The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Alaska provides nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant and postpartum mothers, infants, and children. WIC offers breastfeeding education, counseling, and supplies, such as breast pumps, to support breastfeeding mothers. Visit WIC Nutrition & Breastfeeding Information for resources including materials and links for pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, infants and children.

Lactation Support and Consultants: Many hospitals and clinics in Alaska, including Providence Alaska Medical Center, offer lactation consultant services to help new mothers with breastfeeding challenges. These consultants provide one-on-one support, advice on latch and positioning, and guidance on overcoming common breastfeeding problems.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities
Telehealth and Mobile Support: Given the vast rural expanse of Alaska, breastfeeding support is also available remotely. Health services, including lactation support, are accessible through telehealth programs, which help reach mothers in remote areas. Learn more: Alaska Telehealth Network

Local Resources and Peer Support: Many rural and Indigenous communities in Alaska have local breastfeeding support groups or peer counseling programs, helping to create a supportive environment for new mothers. Community-based organizations also provide culturally relevant breastfeeding information.

Education and Awareness
Alaska has numerous breastfeeding education programs for new parents, including hospital-based lactation classes, peer counselor programs, and educational materials available at clinics and online. These resources help prepare parents for the challenges of breastfeeding and support them throughout their breastfeeding journey.