Nebraska

Breastfeeding in Nebraska

Breastfeeding in Nebraska is supported by various laws, programs, and resources that ensure parents can breastfeed their infants safely and comfortably at home, in public, and in the workplace.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding

Exemptions from Public Indecency Laws and Jury Duty

In Nebraska, parents have the legal right to breastfeed in any public or private location where they are otherwise allowed to be. State law protects breastfeeding parents from indecency laws, ensuring they can feed their infants without fear of legal consequences. However, Nebraska law does not provide an exemption from jury duty for breastfeeding parents.

Right to Breastfeed in Public

Nebraska law explicitly allows breastfeeding in any public or private location, even if part of the breast is exposed during feeding. This means parents can breastfeed freely in places like restaurants, parks, shopping centers, and public transportation.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

Nebraska does not have specific state laws protecting breastfeeding in the workplace. However, under federal law, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, employers must:

• Provide reasonable break times for employees to express breast milk.
• Offer a private, non-bathroom space for pumping.
• Ensure that breastfeeding employees can pump milk during the workday without facing retaliation or discrimination.
• Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees may claim an exemption, but they must prove that compliance would cause undue hardship.

Support for Breastfeeding Families

Nebraska Breastfeeding Coalition

The Nebraska Breastfeeding Coalition works to improve breastfeeding rates and support new parents through advocacy, education, and community programs. The coalition connects families with lactation consultants, peer support groups, and employer training on breastfeeding rights.

WIC Program

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Nebraska provides nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant and postpartum parents, infants, and children. WIC services include:

• Breastfeeding education and counseling;
• Access to breast pumps for eligible participants; and
• Support groups and one-on-one lactation consultations.

Lactation Support and Consultants

Many hospitals and clinics in Nebraska provide lactation consultant services to help new mothers with breastfeeding challenges, including latch difficulties, milk supply concerns, and returning to work while breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Underserved Communities

Access to breastfeeding support in rural Nebraska can be challenging, but telehealth services help bridge the gap. Parents in rural areas can receive virtual lactation consultations through programs like:

• Nebraska Telehealth Network – Offers remote consultations for breastfeeding parents; and
• La Leche League of Nebraska – Provides peer support groups in various rural locations.

Local Resources and Peer Support

Several community-based organizations and La Leche League (LLL) groups provide peer-led breastfeeding support throughout Nebraska. Parents can join virtual or in-person meetings to share experiences and get guidance.

Education and Awareness

Nebraska hospitals, health departments, and community organizations offer breastfeeding education programs to prepare new parents for their breastfeeding journey. Resources include:

• Hospital-based lactation classes before and after birth;
• Online breastfeeding courses for parents unable to attend in person; and
• Peer counselor programs that connect parents with experienced breastfeeding mentors.