Georgia

Breastfeeding in Georgia is supported by various laws, programs, and resources aimed at ensuring that parents can breastfeed their infants safely and comfortably, both at home and in public settings.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding

Right to Breastfeed in Public: In Georgia, mothers have the legal right to breastfeed their babies in any location where they are authorised to be. This includes public places such as restaurants, stores, and public transportation. The law Ga. Code § 31-1-9 (2019) recognizes breastfeeding as an important and basic act of nurture, promoting maternal and child health.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding: The federal FLSA’s PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act protects all breastfeeding employees in Georgia. Georgia state law already requires employers (excluding “the state and its political subdivisions”) with one or more employees to provide paid break time and a private space other than a bathroom for pumping to both salaried and hourly employees.

Additionally, under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) Act, most nursing employees are entitled to reasonable break time and a private space, 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. However, GA law
GA Code § 34-1-6 (2024) allows employers with 50 or fewer employees an exemption to comply with this legislation if the requirements “impose an undue hardship. Learn More

Support for Breastfeeding Families

Georgia Department of Public Health - WIC: The Georgia DPH promotes, protects, and supports breastfeeding as the preferred method of infant feeding for the first two years, benefiting both infant and maternal health. They offer resources and support through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutrition assistance, breastfeeding education, counseling, and supplies to support breastfeeding mothers.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia (HMHBGA): HMHBGA offers various breastfeeding resources, including ZipMilk, a directory to find breastfeeding support near you, nursing room locators, and information on breastfeeding-friendly locations and hospitals. Learn More

La Leche League International (LLLI): LLLI is a non-profit organization that provides mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education to promote breastfeeding. They offer resources such as meetings, telephone help, online support, and publications to assist breastfeeding mothers. Learn More

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities
Georgia Department of Public Health Southeast Health District: The Southeast Health District offers breastfeeding education and support in each of its 16 counties. For more information about the lactation services in your county, you can contact the Southeast Health District.

GNR Public Health: GNR Public Health provides breastfeeding resources, including listings for breastfeeding support sorted by zip code, affordable lactation support, and free monthly Baby Café sessions.

Education and Awareness

Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition: The Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition works to promote breastfeeding through education, advocacy, and support. They provide resources and information on breastfeeding legislation, support groups, and initiatives to create a breastfeeding-friendly environment.

These resources and legal protections in Georgia aim to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding families, ensuring they have access to the necessary support and accommodations to successfully breastfeed their infants.