Pennsylvania

Breastfeeding in Pennsylvania is supported through various laws, workplace protections, and resources to ensure that parents can breastfeed their infants safely and comfortably, both in public and at work.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding

Right to Breastfeed in Public: The Pennsylvania Freedom to Breastfeed Act, enacted in 2007, ensures that mothers have the right to breastfeed their children in any public or private location where they are otherwise authorized to be. This act specifies that breastfeeding may not be considered a nuisance, obscenity, or indecent exposure.

Workplace Protections: While Pennsylvania does not have specific state laws mandating workplace accommodations for breastfeeding, federal laws provide significant protections:

PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as amended by the PUMP Act, most employers are required to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for employees to express breast milk for up to one year after the child's birth.

Philadelphia Ordinance: In Philadelphia, a local ordinance mandates that employers provide reasonable accommodations for employees needing to express breast milk, including unpaid break time and a private, sanitary space that is not a bathroom.

Support for Breastfeeding Families

Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Coalition (PABC): PABC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating community and statewide efforts to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. They offer resources, education, and advocacy to help families overcome barriers to breastfeeding. Learn More

Breastfeeding Resource Center (BRC): The BRC is a nonprofit corporation committed to providing expert clinical and educational breastfeeding services. They offer consultations, classes, and support groups to assist breastfeeding families.

Education and Awareness

PA AAP Breastfeeding Programs: The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics offers free online breastfeeding education modules for those who work or live in Pennsylvania. CME/CEU credits are available for healthcare professionals.

PA First Food: This initiative provides a variety of programs and resources to increase breastfeeding support within hospital and healthcare settings, assists employers and businesses with policies to support breastfeeding clients and staff, and offers educational opportunities for healthcare providers, childcare providers, and breastfeeding advocates.

Breastfeeding in the Workplace

Employer Responsibilities: Under the PUMP Act, most nursing employees have the right to reasonable break time and a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion to express breast milk while at work. This right is available for up to one year after the child’s birth.

Employee Rights: Employers cannot refuse to hire, fire, or otherwise discriminate against an employee because they are breastfeeding or producing breast milk. Employees are entitled to equal treatment and reasonable accommodations to express breast milk at work.

These laws and resources aim to support breastfeeding parents in Pennsylvania, ensuring they have the necessary protections and assistance to balance work and family responsibilities while providing optimal nutrition to their infants.