New Mexico

Breastfeeding in New Mexico 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 Mexico, parents have the legal right 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 Mexico are exempt from public indecency laws and jury duty.

Right to Breastfeed in Public

New Mexico’s breastfeeding laws provide specific protections, including the right to breastfeed in places like restaurants, stores, and public transportation. Learn more: New Mexico Statutes on Breastfeeding.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

New Mexico state law requires employers to provide breastfeeding employees with a clean and private space (not a bathroom) and reasonable break times to express breast milk. Additionally, under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), employers must provide reasonable accommodations for lactating workers, ensuring they have adequate time and space to pump breast milk during the workday.

Support for Breastfeeding Families

New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force (NMBTF): NMBTF is a nonprofit organization working to promote and support breastfeeding in New Mexico. They offer resources, education, and advocacy to help families overcome barriers to breastfeeding, including outreach to Indigenous and rural communities.

WIC Program: The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in New Mexico provides nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant and postpartum mothers, infants, and children. WIC offers breastfeeding education, counseling, and supplies, such as breast pumps, to support breastfeeding mothers. Visit WIC Nutrition & Breastfeeding Information for resources, including materials and links for pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, infants, and children.

Lactation Support and Consultants: Many hospitals and clinics in New Mexico, including the University of New Mexico Hospital, offer lactation consultant services to help new mothers with breastfeeding challenges. These consultants provide one-on-one support, advice on latch and positioning, and guidance on overcoming common breastfeeding problems.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Indigenous Communities

Telehealth and Mobile Support: Given the vast rural and Indigenous communities in New Mexico, breastfeeding support is also available remotely. Health services, including lactation support, are accessible through telehealth programs, which help reach mothers in remote areas. Learn more: New Mexico Telehealth Alliance.

Local Resources and Peer Support: Many rural and Indigenous communities in New Mexico have local breastfeeding support groups or peer counseling programs, helping to create a supportive environment for new mothers. Community-based organizations also provide culturally relevant breastfeeding information.

Education and Awareness
New Mexico has numerous breastfeeding education programs for new parents, including hospital-based lactation classes, peer counselor programs, and educational materials available at clinics and online. These resources help prepare parents for the challenges of breastfeeding and support them throughout their breastfeeding journey.