Oregon

Breastfeeding in Oregon

Breastfeeding in Oregon 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 Oregon, 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 Oregon are exempt from public indecency laws and jury duty.

Right to Breastfeed in Public

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

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

Oregon has a robust lactation accommodation law protecting breastfeeding at work. Also, under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), employers are required to provide reasonable break times and a private, non-bathroom space for employees to express breast milk during working hours. This ensures that breastfeeding employees can pump milk during the workday without being subjected to undue hardship. Oregon law clarifies that employers must provide a “reasonable rest period” every time the employee needs to pump (the law used to stipulate a fixed amount of time).

Support for Breastfeeding Families
WIC Program: The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Oregon 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 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 Oregon 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.

KellyMom: Comprehensive breastfeeding information from a mom who is also a lactation consultant.

Ready, Set, Baby: A guide to welcoming babies, including before birth, the first hours and bringing baby home.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities
Telehealth and Mobile Support: Given the vast rural expanse of Oregon, breastfeeding support is also available remotely. Health services, including lactation support, are accessible through telehealth programs, which help reach mothers in remote areas.

Local Resources and Peer Support: Many rural and Indigenous communities in Oregon 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
Oregon 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.