Maine

Breastfeeding in Maine

Breastfeeding in Maine 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

Right to Breastfeed in Public

Maine law (5 MRSA §4634) affirms that a mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where she is otherwise authorized to be. This ensures that mothers can breastfeed without facing discrimination or harassment. Learn More

Jury Duty Exemptions
Maine law does not provide a specific exemption from jury duty for breastfeeding mothers. Individuals seeking exemption may need to request a deferral or consult with the court regarding their circumstances.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding
Break Time and Private Space

Under Maine law (Title 26, §604), employers are required to provide

Adequate unpaid break time or permit an employee to use paid break or meal time each day to express breast milk for up to three years following childbirth.
A clean, private space (other than a bathroom) for expressing breast milk.
These provisions apply to all employers, regardless of size.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

The federal FLSA’s PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act protects all breastfeeding employees, but Maine already has a strong workplace lactation accommodation law. Employers in Maine are required to support all breastfeeding employees by providing break time and a space (other than a bathroom) to pump at work for up to three years after childbirth (the PUMP Act is one year). Read this for more details.
In addition to the federal FLSA’s PUMP Act, which provides workplace lactation accommodation protections for all breastfeeding employees, Maine law provides an extra level of support.

Support for Breastfeeding Families (Including Education and Awareness)
The Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition’s mission is to “enhance the culture of breastfeeding around the state through professional networking, advocacy, and education.” Visit U.S. Breastfeeding Committee for a full list of state breastfeeding coalitions.

WIC Program: The Maine WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program offers support for breastfeeding mothers, including education, counseling, and access to lactation consultants. WIC provides resources to help mothers successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.

Community Support: Local health departments and community organizations often host breastfeeding support groups and educational programs. These groups can provide valuable peer support and information for new mothers.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Maine has initiatives aimed at promoting breastfeeding as a healthy choice for mothers and infants. These campaigns often focus on the benefits of breastfeeding and provide information on local resources available to support breastfeeding families.

Lactation Consultants: Many hospitals and clinics in Maine have lactation consultants available to assist new mothers with breastfeeding challenges and provide personalized support.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities
Telehealth and Mobile Support
To assist mothers in remote areas, telehealth lactation consultations are available. For example, Maine Families offers certified lactation counselor support via phone or Zoom.
For more detailed information, you may want to consult local health departments or breastfeeding advocacy organizations in Maine.