Connecticut

Breastfeeding in Connecticut
Breastfeeding in Connecticut is supported by a variety of laws, programs, and resources aimed at ensuring parents can breastfeed their infants safely and comfortably, whether at home or in public.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding

Exemptions from Public Indecency Laws and Jury Duty

In Connecticut, 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 are exempt from public indecency laws and jury duty.

Right to Breastfeed in Public

Connecticut’s breastfeeding laws specifically protect the right to breastfeed in places like restaurants, stores, public transportation, and other public spaces. Connecticut law mandates that mothers can breastfeed in any public or private place where they are authorized to be. Learn more: Connecticut Statutes on Breastfeeding

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

Connecticut law provides specific protections for breastfeeding employees. Employers are required to provide reasonable break times and a private, non-bathroom space for employees to express breast milk during working hours. These protections are aligned with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which apply to businesses with more than 50 employees.

Support for Breastfeeding Families

Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition (CBC)

The Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting breastfeeding in the state. CBC provides resources, advocacy, and education to help families overcome breastfeeding challenges and create supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers. For more information, visit the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition

WIC Program

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Connecticut offers nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant and postpartum mothers, infants, and children. WIC provides breastfeeding education, counseling, and supplies like breast pumps to support breastfeeding mothers. For more details, visit the Connecticut WIC Program

Lactation Support and Consultants

Many hospitals and clinics in Connecticut offer lactation consultant services to help new mothers with breastfeeding challenges. Lactation consultants provide one-on-one support, advice on proper latch and positioning, and guidance on managing breastfeeding difficulties.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities

Telehealth and Mobile Support

In rural and underserved areas of Connecticut, breastfeeding support is available through telehealth programs, which help reach mothers in more remote locations. This service allows families to access lactation support and consultation services online. To learn more, visit the Connecticut Telehealth Coalition

Local Resources and Peer Support

In Connecticut, there are local breastfeeding support groups and peer counseling programs, particularly in rural and suburban areas. These community-based organizations offer culturally relevant breastfeeding information and peer support to new mothers. Programs like La Leche League Connecticut and Breastfeeding Connecticut are excellent resources for peer counseling and group support.

Education and Awareness

Connecticut offers 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 offer ongoing support throughout the breastfeeding journey. To find resources, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health Breastfeeding Resources