Maryland

Breastfeeding in Maryland

Breastfeeding in Maryland 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

Maryland law protects a mother’s right to breastfeed in any public or private location where she is authorized to be. This ensures that mothers can breastfeed without facing discrimination or harassment.

Exemptions from jury duty

In Maryland, breastfeeding mothers may be exempt from jury duty. If a mother is breastfeeding, she can request an exemption from serving on a jury. While Maryland law does not offer a specific exemption from jury duty for breastfeeding mothers, individuals may request a deferral or excusal based on personal circumstances. Such requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the court. This is to ensure that mothers can prioritize their breastfeeding responsibilities without the added obligation of jury service.

Tax Exemptions for Breastfeeding Supplies

Maryland provides tax exemptions for various breastfeeding supplies, including breast pumps, nursing shields, and storage bags, making essential items more affordable for families. Learn more

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

Unfortunately, Maryland doesn’t have any state legislation to protect and support breastfeeding in the workplace. But all breastfeeding employees in Maryland are protected by the federal FLSA’s PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. Under this federal mandate, Maryland employers are required to provide reasonable break time for breastfeeding or pumping and a private space (other than a bathroom) for mothers to express milk at work for one year.

Maryland Breastfeeding-positive Municipalities
Baltimore: Baltimore employers with two or more full-time employees must provide lactation accommodations (including break time and a private lactation space) for breastfeeding employees. The lactation space cannot be a bathroom or a closet and must be in “close proximity” to the employee’s work area. Read the law: Lactation Accommodations in the Workplace

Montgomery County: Thanks to the Right to Nourish Act, Montgomery County employers must provide lactation rooms or alternative accommodations for employees in County buildings, and break time to pump.

Support for Breastfeeding Families

In Maryland, there are several supports and resources available for breastfeeding families:
WIC Program: The Maryland 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. Learn more

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: Maryland 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 Maryland have lactation consultants available to assist new mothers with breastfeeding challenges and provide personalized support..
These resources help prepare parents for the challenges of breastfeeding and support them throughout their breastfeeding journey.

The Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition is made up of health professionals, educators, policy-makers, organizations, businesses and others who promote, protect, and support breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities

Telehealth and Mobile Support

To assist mothers in remote areas, telehealth lactation consultations are available. These services connect International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants with breastfeeding parents through video visits, providing convenient and timely support.

Local Resources and Peer Support

Local WIC offices and community organizations offer peer counseling and support groups, fostering a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers across Maryland.

Education and Awareness

Online Classes and Training

Maryland WIC offers online breastfeeding classes accessible anytime, allowing parents to learn at their own pace. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Health provides training resources for healthcare providers to better support breastfeeding families.

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