Missouri

Breastfeeding in Missouri is supported by various laws, programs, and resources that ensure parents can breastfeed safely and comfortably at home, in public, or at work.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding
Right to Breastfeed in Public: In Missouri, mothers have the right to breastfeed their children in any public or private location where they are otherwise authorized to be.
This is protected under Missouri Revised Statutes § 191.918

Jury Duty Exemptions: Missouri does not have a specific law that automatically exempts breastfeeding mothers from jury duty.
However, you can request a deferral or exemption by contacting the court directly and explaining your breastfeeding situation. Decisions are generally made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the court.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

Break Time and Private Space: Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (2022), Missouri employers are required to:

• Provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for up to one year after childbirth.
• Provide a private space, other than a bathroom, shielded from view and free from intrusion, for milk expression.

Missouri employers are expected to comply with these federal protections to support breastfeeding workers.

Support for Breastfeeding Families

Missouri WIC Program: The Missouri Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offers extensive breastfeeding support, including:

Access to lactation consultants and breastfeeding peer counselors.

Breastfeeding classes and educational resources.

24/7 breastfeeding helpline: 1-800-TEL-LINK (1-800-835-5465).

Learn more

Lactation Support Centers: Several health centers and hospitals in Missouri offer specialized lactation support services.
These centers provide one-on-one support from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).

Hospital-Based Lactation Services: Many Missouri hospitals offer lactation consultants during maternity hospital stays.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities
Telehealth and Mobile Support; To better serve rural areas, Missouri families can access telehealth lactation services through organizations such as:
Lactation Network (Virtual appointments with IBCLCs). Learn more
Milk Connections (Telehealth lactation services in Missouri).

These services often accept insurance and can provide accessible support without travel barriers.

Local Resources and Peer Support: Local WIC agencies and organizations like La Leche League of Missouri offer:

Peer-led breastfeeding support groups, One-on-one peer counseling,
Community breastfeeding events and classes.

Education and Awareness

Online Classes and Training: The Missouri WIC Program provides free online breastfeeding classes for expectant and new parents.

Classes cover

Breastfeeding basics, Common challenges, Pumping and storing breast milk.

By using these programs, legal protections, and resources, Missouri families are better equipped to meet their breastfeeding goals and provide their infants with the best start possible.