Kansas

Breastfeeding in Kansas

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding

Exemptions from public indecency laws and jury duty

In Kansas, breastfeeding mothers can request an exemption from or postponement of jury duty until they are no longer breastfeeding.

Right to Breastfeed in Public

Mothers in Kansas have the right to breastfeed in any public or private location where they are legally allowed to be. The federal FLSA’s PUMP Act provides workplace lactation accommodation protections for all breastfeeding employees, but Kansas has no additional state-level lactation laws.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

Unfortunately, Kansas doesn’t have any legislation supporting breastfeeding in the workplace. However, all breastfeeding employees in Kansas 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

Kansas WIC Program
The Kansas Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offers extensive breastfeeding support, including access to lactation consultants and peer counselors, breastfeeding classes and educational resources, and nutrition and health classes on various topics.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program
Kansas WIC's Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program provides support from women in the community with personal breastfeeding experience similar to WIC participants. Peer counselors offer education and support for WIC mothers, both inside and outside usual clinic hours. Learn more

Lactation Support Centers
Several hospitals and health systems in Kansas offer lactation support services

Education and Awareness
Online Classes and Training
The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition offers interactive, virtual breastfeeding classes designed to provide educational opportunities for anyone looking to learn more about breastfeeding. Learn more
Additionally, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) provides online nutrition education through platforms like wichealth.org, covering topics such as meal planning, maintaining a healthy weight, and caring for a new baby.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities

Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC): The KBC's mission is to “improve the health and well-being of Kansans by working collaboratively to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding across the state. They collaborate with various organizations to ensure families thrive and offer resources for local breastfeeding coalitions.
Communities Supporting Breastfeeding (CSB): This designation recognizes communities that support breastfeeding families where they live, work, and play. The program encourages local coalitions, peer support, and public spaces to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates.
Local Breastfeeding Coalitions: Numerous local coalitions across Kansas provide community-specific support. For instance, the Central Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition serves Rush, Barton, Stafford, Ellsworth, Pawnee, and Rice Counties, while the Northwest Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition supports families in that region. These coalitions offer resources, education, and support tailored to their communities.
La Leche League Groups: La Leche League offers mother-to-mother support, encouragement, and education for breastfeeding. They have groups in Kansas that provide resources and host meetings to assist mothers in their breastfeeding journey.