Mississippi

Breastfeeding in Mississippi is supported by various laws, programs, and resources designed to ensure that parents can breastfeed their infants safely and comfortably, whether at home, in public, or at work.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding
Right to Breastfeed in Public
Mississippi law protects the right to breastfeed in public. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 17-25-7, a mother may breastfeed her child in any location, public or private, where she is otherwise authorized to be. Learn more

Jury Duty Exemptions
Mississippi does not have a specific statute exempting breastfeeding mothers from jury duty. However, individuals may request a deferral by contacting the court directly, and some jurisdictions may grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding
Break Time and Private Space
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), amended by the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (2022), most employers are required to:
Provide reasonable break time to express breast milk.
Offer a private, non-bathroom space shielded from view and intrusion, for up to one year postpartum.

Mississippi does not have additional state-specific mandates, so employers must comply with these federal standards. Learn more

Support for Breastfeeding Families

Mississippi WIC Program

Mississippi’s WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program provides a wide range of breastfeeding services, including:

• Access to lactation consultants and peer counselors.
• Breastfeeding classes and educational materials.
• Breast pumps for eligible participants.
• Assistance through local WIC clinics. Learn more

Lactation Support Centers
Mississippi has lactation support resources embedded within WIC clinics and hospitals. While there are fewer standalone centers compared to urban states, hospital-based lactation programs offer vital in-person and phone support through IBCLCs. Learn more

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities

Telehealth and Mobile Support
To address gaps in rural areas, Mississippi’s WIC and healthcare partners offer tele-lactation services. Examples include:

• Virtual consultations with WIC lactation experts.

Some telehealth services, such as Nest Collaborative, offer virtual IBCLC visits, often covered by Medicaid or insurance.

• Nest Collaborative

Local Resources and Peer Support
Local WIC clinics and community organizations provide peer support and breastfeeding counseling. These include:

• Group classes, mom-to-mom support groups.
• Breastfeeding Warm Line (varies by location, check with local WIC offices).

Education and Awareness
Online Classes and Training
Mississippi WIC provides free online breastfeeding classes via its WIC portal.
MSDH (Mississippi State Department of Health) and CHEER offer provider training to improve lactation support in clinics and hospitals. Others include CHEER Equity

These protections and resources demonstrate Mississippi’s effort, particularly through WIC and telehealth support to help families breastfeed safely and successfully, especially in rural and underserved communities.