Virginia

Breastfeeding in Virginia is supported by comprehensive laws, programs, and resources to ensure that parents can breastfeed their infants safely and comfortably, whether at home, in public, or at work.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding
Exemptions from Public Indecency Laws and Jury Duty
Public Indecency: Virginia law explicitly exempts breastfeeding from public indecency statutes. Mothers have the right to breastfeed in any public or private location where they are otherwise authorized to be.
Jury Duty: Breastfeeding mothers in Virginia may request to be excused from jury duty. Learn More

Right to Breastfeed in Public
Virginia law guarantees a mother's right to breastfeed her child on any property owned, leased, or controlled by the state. Learn More

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding
Federal Protections
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Requires employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for an employee to express breast milk for one year after the child's birth. Learn More
PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act: Expands FLSA protections to more employees, ensuring that nursing parents have the necessary accommodations at work. Learn More

State Protections
Virginia Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: Requires employers with five or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for lactating workers, including more frequent breaks and access to a private location to express breast milk. Learn More

Support for Breastfeeding Families
Virginia WIC Program
The Virginia Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offers breastfeeding support through:

Peer Counseling: The "Loving Support Through Peer Counseling" program provides mother-to-mother support to help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals. Learn More

Resources and Referrals: WIC programs offer basic information, support services, and referrals needed to help mothers make educated choices about infant feeding. Learn More

Lactation Support and Consultants: Several hospitals and clinics in Virginia 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 Remote Communities

Telehealth and Mobile Support
Telelactation services connect breastfeeding mothers in rural areas with remotely located lactation consultants through audio-visual technology, increasing access to professional breastfeeding support.

Local Resources and Peer Support
Community-based organizations and local health departments in rural Virginia areas offer breastfeeding support groups and peer counseling programs, providing culturally relevant information and assistance to new mothers.

Education and Awareness

Virginia promotes breastfeeding education through

Hospital-Based Lactation Classes: Hospitals offer classes to prepare parents for breastfeeding.

Educational Materials: The Virginia Department of Health provides resources and materials to support breastfeeding families.

For more information on breastfeeding resources in Virginia, visit the Virginia Department of Health's Breastfeeding Resources.