Washington

Breastfeeding in Washington is supported by a strong network of laws, programs, and resources designed to ensure that parents can breastfeed their infants safely and comfortably, whether at home, work, or in public.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding

Exemptions from public indecency laws and jury duty

In Washington, parents have the legal right to breastfeed their children in any public or private location where they are authorized to be.
Public indecency laws do not apply to breastfeeding. Learn More
Washington law also provides exemptions from jury duty for breastfeeding parents. Upon request, breastfeeding individuals may be excused from jury duty for up to the period they are breastfeeding. Learn More

Right to Breastfeed in Public

Washington’s breastfeeding law, RCW 49.60.30(g), ensures that parents have the right to breastfeed in any location, public or private, where they are otherwise allowed to be. Discriminating against a person for breastfeeding is considered unlawful under Washington’s Law Against Discrimination. Learn More

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

Washington state law and federal law (through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act) require employers to:

Provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk
Provide a private space, other than a bathroom, shielded from view and free from intrusion
Under Washington's Healthy Starts Act (RCW 43.10.005), employers must allow flexible scheduling for breaks and provide a suitable location for expressing milk. Learn More

Support for Breastfeeding Families

Washington State Breastfeeding Coalition (WSBC)

The Washington State Breastfeeding Coalition is a nonprofit that promotes and supports breastfeeding through advocacy, education, and community initiatives. They work to normalize breastfeeding and increase support for families across the state, including underserved communities.

WIC Program

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Washington provides breastfeeding education, peer counseling, support groups, and supplies like breast pumps to low-income families. WIC strongly promotes breastfeeding as the best source of infant nutrition.

Lactation Support and Consultants

Many hospitals, clinics, and community health centers across Washington, including facilities like Seattle Children's Hospital and Swedish Medical Center, offer lactation consultant services. These consultants provide:
Personalized breastfeeding support
Help with latch and positioning
Solutions to common breastfeeding challenges Learn More To find a Lactation Consultant in Washington, click here

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities

Telehealth and Mobile Support

To address access barriers in rural areas, Washington has expanded telehealth services. Through WIC Breastfeeding Support, Rural Health Clinics, and independent telelactation services, families in remote regions can receive virtual lactation consultations and breastfeeding support. Learn More

Local Resources and Peer Support

Local health departments, tribal health organizations, and community-based programs like WithinReach offer breastfeeding peer counselor programs, support groups, and home visiting services, tailored to the needs of Indigenous, immigrant, and rural communities.To get support, click here

Education and Awareness

Washington has a wide array of breastfeeding education programs, available through

Hospitals offering prenatal breastfeeding classes
Peer counselor programs offered by WIC
Public health campaigns encouraging breastfeeding initiation and continuation
Educational materials are available in multiple languages and culturally appropriate formats to better support Washington’s diverse communities.
Learn more about Breastfeeding Classes in Washington