Utah

Breastfeeding in Utah is supported by a combination of state and federal laws, as well as various programs and resources aimed at assisting nursing parents.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding

Exemptions from Public Indecency Laws and Jury Duty
Public Indecency Laws: Utah law explicitly states that breastfeeding even with an exposed breast is not considered lewd or indecent exposure. Learn More

Jury Duty Exemption: Under Utah law, breastfeeding mothers may be excused from jury service upon request. Learn More

Right to Breastfeed in Public
Utah law permits breastfeeding in any location where the mother is authorized to be, ensuring that breastfeeding is not considered indecent exposure. This means mothers can breastfeed in public places without facing legal repercussions. Learn More

Workplace Protections
Under both federal and state laws, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for breastfeeding employees. This includes:
Break Time: Reasonable break time to express breast milk for one year after the child's birth.
Private Space: A space, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion, for expressing milk.
Public employers in Utah have additional obligations, such as providing access to a clean and well-maintained refrigerator for storing expressed milk. Learn More

Protection Against Discrimination
Utah law prohibits public employers from discriminating against employees who breastfeed or express milk in the workplace. Learn More

Support for Breastfeeding Families

Utah WIC Program
The Utah Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offers a range of services to support breastfeeding mothers, including: personalized counseling with experienced breastfeeding peer counselors, breastfeeding classes, provision of breast pumps, breastfeeding classes, resources tailored for working mothers, extended participation in WIC and additional food benefits

Utah Breastfeeding Coalition
This coalition comprises health professionals, public health organizations, educators, policymakers, employers, and community members dedicated to promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding throughout Utah.

La Leche League of Utah
La Leche League provides mother-to-mother support, education, and encouragement for breastfeeding. They offer informal meetings and one-on-one support through accredited leaders who have personal breastfeeding experience.

Stepping Up for Utah Babies Program: This initiative by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services encourages hospitals to implement the "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding," aligning with BFHI principles. Hospitals can earn up to a five-star rating based on their breastfeeding-friendly practices. Learn More

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities
While specific programs targeting rural and remote communities in Utah are not detailed in the provided information, the Utah WIC program and La Leche League offer statewide support that can benefit families in these areas.

Education and Awareness

Utah promotes breastfeeding through various educational initiatives, including

Hospital-based lactation classes
Peer counselor programs
Educational materials available at clinics and online

These resources aim to prepare parents for breastfeeding and support them throughout their journey.