Iowa

Breastfeeding in Iowa

Breastfeeding in Iowa 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

Exemptions from public indecency laws and jury duty

Breastfeeding mothers are exempt from jury duty upon request. Iowa law allows a woman to be excused from jury service if she submits written documentation verifying, to the court's satisfaction, that she is the mother of a breastfed child and is responsible for the daily care of the child.

Right to Breastfeed in Public

Mothers have the right to breastfeed in any public or private location in Iowa, as long as they are legally allowed to be there. This law ensures that breastfeeding in public is not considered indecent exposure, and mothers are not required to cover up while nursing.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

Iowa doesn’t have any state legislation to support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. However, all breastfeeding employees in Iowa are protected by the federal FLSA’s PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. Under this federal mandate, breastfeeding employees are entitled to reasonable break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) to pump at work for one year.

Support for Breastfeeding Families
The Iowa Breastfeeding Coalition’s mission is “[p]roviding, promoting and coordinating breastfeeding education, support and evaluation through local coalitions, health care providers, educational institutions, and other interested individuals.

WIC Program: The Iowa WIC program offers nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion, access to lactation consultants and peer counselors, breastfeeding classes and educational resources, assistance with obtaining breast pumps and resources for purchasing nutritious foods. WIC staff are trained to provide breastfeeding support, and participants are encouraged to access these services.

La Leche League of Iowa: This organization offers mother-to-mother support, encouragement, and education for breastfeeding. They host monthly group meetings and provide resources to assist mothers in their breastfeeding journey.

Iowa Family Support Network: This network connects families to various support services, including breastfeeding assistance. Specialists are available by phone or email to guide families to appropriate resources.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities
Telelactation services: Utilizing telehealth platforms, telelactation connects breastfeeding mothers with lactation consultants remotely, offering a convenient and efficient solution in areas lacking in-person support. Studies have shown that telelactation is effective in increasing breastfeeding rates and duration among rural mothers.

Strategic Planning: The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has identified improving access to lactation services in rural areas as a priority in its Breastfeeding Strategic Plan 2023-2026, highlighting opportunities to enhance support through collaboration and resource allocation.

Education and Awareness
Iowa Breastfeeding Coalition (IBC): The IBC focuses on providing, promoting, and coordinating breastfeeding education and support through local coalitions and healthcare providers. They offer training programs, such as the Iowa Lactation Education training, aimed at enhancing the knowledge of professionals to better support breastfeeding families.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: The Iowa WIC program offers nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion, and support to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals, as well as to infants and children up to age five. WIC staff are trained to provide breastfeeding guidance, and the program encourages staff to obtain extended breastfeeding credentials.

La Leche League of Iowa: La Leche League offers mother-to-mother support, encouragement, and education for breastfeeding. They host monthly group meetings and provide resources to assist mothers in their breastfeeding journey.

Iowa Breastfeeding Database: Developed to help families find breastfeeding resources, this database lists organizations that provide breastfeeding support across the state.