New Jersey

Breastfeeding in New Jersey

Breastfeeding in New Jersey 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
Exemptions from public indecency laws and jury duty
In New Jersey, parents are offered the legal protections to breastfeed in any public or private location. There are no restrictions on where a parent can breastfeed, and the law ensures that breastfeeding mothers in New Jersey are exempt from public indecency laws and jury duty.

Right to Breastfeed in Public
New Jersey law permits mothers to breastfeed in any public place where they are otherwise authorised to be. This includes restaurants, stores, public transportation, and other places of public accommodation.

Workplace Accommodations
Under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for lactating employees. This includes allowing adequate break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) to express breast milk.

Support for Breastfeeding Families
New Jersey WIC Program: The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offers comprehensive breastfeeding support, including peer counseling, lactation consultant services, breast pumps, and educational resources. Visit the WIC Breastfeeding Promotion & Support page for resources including materials and links for pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, infants and children.

Lactation Consultants: Hospitals provide lactation services, including prenatal and postpartum support, lactation consultations, and breastfeeding classes.

Community Support: Organizations like the New Jersey Breastfeeding Coalition (NJBFC) offer resources, advocacy, and support groups for breastfeeding families.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Underserved Communities
While New Jersey does not have tribal health systems like Alaska, it emphasizes equity in healthcare access and culturally competent care for all communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Education and Awareness
The New Jersey Department of Health has released the 2022–2027 New Jersey Breastfeeding Strategic Plan, focusing on increasing breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity. The plan aims to improve lactation support and reduce inequitable infant health outcomes across the state.

Learn more about the locations of breastfeeding resources.