Hawaii

Breastfeeding in Hawaii is supported through comprehensive laws, programs, and resources to ensure that parents can nurse their infants safely and comfortably in various settings.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding
Right to Breastfeed in Public: Hawaii law explicitly permits mothers to breastfeed in any public or private location where they are authorized to be, safeguarding them from discrimination or restriction while nursing.

Workplace Protections: Hawaii's Act 249 mandates that employers provide reasonable break times and a private, non-bathroom space for employees to express breast milk. This state law offers more stringent protections than the federal PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, ensuring that breastfeeding employees are supported in the workplace.

Support for Breastfeeding Families

Hawaii WIC Program: The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Hawaii promotes and supports breastfeeding families by offering resources, education, and counseling. Each WIC local agency has a Breastfeeding Coordinator to assist clients with breastfeeding needs.

Breastfeeding Hawaii: This nonprofit organization aims to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding through education and collaboration with maternal-child health professionals. They serve as a community advocate for breastfeeding across the state.

CalMed Hawaii: Offers online prenatal lactation consultations, breastfeeding classes, and support groups via Zoom, providing accessible support for new mothers.

La Leche League of Hawaii Island - Kona Coast: Provides parent-to-parent support to help families breastfeed, chestfeed, and human milk feed their babies, fostering a supportive community environment.

Breastfeeding in Hospitals

Baby-Friendly Hawaii Project: Eleven of the twelve maternity care hospitals in Hawaii participate in this initiative, aiming to implement best practices in maternity care that support breastfeeding. The project provides technical assistance and training to hospital staff and assists birthing centers in creating supportive policies.

Education and Awareness
Hawaii offers various breastfeeding education programs for new parents, including hospital-based lactation classes, peer counselor programs, and educational materials available at clinics and online. These resources prepare parents for breastfeeding challenges and support them throughout their breastfeeding journey.

By leveraging these legal protections and support systems, Hawaii fosters a breastfeeding-friendly environment that benefits both mothers and their infants.