Louisiana

Breastfeeding in Louisiana

Breastfeeding in Louisiana 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 indecent exposure laws in Louisiana. State law also exempts breastfeeding/pumping accessories from sales tax.

Right to Breastfeed in Public

Mothers in Louisiana have the right to breastfeed in any public place they’re allowed to be.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding
While Louisiana does have some workplace lactation accommodation legislation, the federal FLSA’s PUMP Act provides workplace lactation accommodation protections for all breastfeeding employees.
Public schools are the only workplace mandated by Louisiana state law to provide employees with break time and a private room for pumping. The law, Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Act, also stipulates that schools provide lactation spaces for students.
But all breastfeeding employees in Louisiana 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. Louisiana requires “certain” state buildings to have a lactation room.
The Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition works to support breastfeeding at the state and local levels.

Break Time and Private Space
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), most nursing employees are entitled to reasonable break time to express breast milk during the workday, for up to one year after the child's birth, a private, non-bathroom space shielded from view and free from intrusion for this purpose.

The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act of 2022 further reinforces these rights, requiring employers to provide accommodations.
Louisiana employers are expected to comply with these federal requirements to support breastfeeding employees.

Support for Breastfeeding Families
Louisiana WIC Program
The Louisiana Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offers extensive breastfeeding support, including:

• Access to trained lactation consultants and peer counselors.
• Participation in the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, providing mom-to-mom support.
• Use of the Pacify app, offering 24/7 on-demand breastfeeding support and video visits with experts in English and Spanish.

Lactation Support Centers: Several hospitals and clinics in Louisiana provide in-person and virtual lactation consultations.

Telehealth and Mobile Support

To assist mothers in remote areas, telehealth lactation consultations are available

Nest Collaborative: Offers same-day virtual appointments with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), often covered by insurance.
Pacify App: Provides Louisiana WIC participants with free, on-demand breastfeeding support and video visits 24/7.

Local Resources and Peer Support

Local WIC offices and community organizations offer peer counseling and support groups

Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition: Provides a directory of local breastfeeding support, including lactation consultants, WIC clinics, and support groups, educational materials for families and healthcare providers, and advocacy for breastfeeding-friendly policies.
La Leche League: Hosts monthly support meetings in various locations across Louisiana, offering peer-to-peer support.

Education and Awareness
Online Classes and Training

• WIC Online Nutrition Education: Offers online breastfeeding classes accessible anytime, allowing parents to learn at their own pace. Learn more
• Healthcare Provider Training: The Louisiana Department of Health offers resources and training for healthcare providers to better support breastfeeding families.

These laws and programs aim to support breastfeeding parents in Louisiana, ensuring they have the necessary resources and protections to successfully breastfeed their children.