Montana

Breastfeeding in Montana is supported by a variety of laws, programs, and services 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: Montana law protects a mother's right to breastfeed her child in any public or private location where the mother and child are otherwise authorized to be.

Montana Code Annotated § 50-19-501

"A mother may breastfeed her child in any location, public or private, where the mother and child are otherwise authorized to be."

Jury Duty Exemptions: Montana does not have a specific law exempting breastfeeding mothers from jury duty. However, mothers may request a deferral or postponement due to breastfeeding or childcare needs by contacting their local 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), most nursing employees have the right to:

• Reasonable break time to express breast milk.
• A private space (not a bathroom) that is shielded from view and free from intrusion.

While Montana law doesn't add extra protections beyond federal law, employers are expected to comply with the FLSA and PUMP Act to support nursing mothers. Learn More

Support for Breastfeeding Families

Montana WIC Program

The Montana WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program provides strong breastfeeding support services, including:

• Access to lactation consultants and peer counselors.
• Free breastfeeding education classes and workshops.
• Breast pump loans and breastfeeding supplies for qualifying families.
• Breastfeeding Helpline available through local WIC agencies.

Lactation Support Centers

Many hospitals and public health departments in Montana provide in-person lactation services

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities

Telehealth and Mobile Support

Montana has expanded telehealth services to assist mothers in rural areas

• Tele-lactation services are available through partnerships with hospitals and insurance providers.
• National programs like Nest Collaborative and Pacify offer telehealth lactation consultations covered by many insurance plans in Montana.

Local Resources and Peer Support

Montana WIC offers peer counselor programs where mothers can receive support and encouragement from trained breastfeeding peer counselors.

Education and Awareness

Online Classes and Training

Montana WIC Breastfeeding Education: Free online and in-person breastfeeding classes for WIC participants.

Hospital Education Programs

Hospitals offer prenatal breastfeeding education classes.

Healthcare Provider Training

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) provides training and toolkits to healthcare providers to support breastfeeding-friendly practices.

Montana supports breastfeeding parents through protective legislation, workplace accommodations, and numerous public health programs. These resources ensure that mothers can breastfeed successfully with the encouragement and support of healthcare providers, employers, and the broader community.