West Virginia

Breastfeeding in West Virginia is supported by a variety of laws, programs, and resources aimed at ensuring that families can breastfeed their infants safely and comfortably, whether at home, at work, or in public.

Legal Protections for Breastfeeding

Exemptions from Public Indecency Laws and Jury Duty

In West Virginia, state law explicitly protects the right to breastfeed in any public or private location where the mother and child are otherwise authorized to be. Breastfeeding is not considered indecent exposure under West Virginia law.
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West Virginia does not have a specific law exempting breastfeeding mothers from jury duty; however, individuals may request a deferral or exemption from jury duty on a case-by-case basis due to breastfeeding needs.

Right to Breastfeed in Public

Parents in West Virginia have the right to breastfeed in any location, public or private, where they are otherwise allowed to be. Businesses and public spaces must allow breastfeeding without asking the parent to leave or cover up.

Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding

West Virginia does not have additional state-specific workplace breastfeeding laws. However, under federal protections through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, employers must:
Provide reasonable break time for nursing parents to express breast milk for up to one year after the child's birth
Offer a private, non-bathroom space for pumping. Learn More

Support for Breastfeeding Families

West Virginia Breastfeeding Alliance (WVBA)

The West Virginia Breastfeeding Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding across the state. WVBA offers education, advocacy, hospital outreach, and professional training to create a breastfeeding-supportive environment.

WIC Program

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in West Virginia offers breastfeeding support, education, peer counseling, and breastfeeding supplies (such as breast pumps) to eligible low-income families. WIC actively encourages breastfeeding as the optimal feeding choice for infants.

Lactation Support and Consultants

Hospitals and clinics throughout West Virginia, provide certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) to help new parents overcome breastfeeding challenges.

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities

Telehealth and Mobile Support

West Virginia uses telehealth programs to extend lactation and breastfeeding support to rural and underserved communities. Through programs such as WV Health Connection and hospital-affiliated telehealth services, mothers can receive lactation advice, virtual consultations, and breastfeeding education remotely.

Local Resources and Peer Support

Many counties in West Virginia offer WIC Peer Counselor Programs, where trained peer counselors—mothers who have successfully breastfed—support other breastfeeding families. Local hospitals, health departments, and community organizations also host breastfeeding support groups, helping create community-centered breastfeeding networks.

Education and Awareness
West Virginia offers numerous programs and resources to educate and empower breastfeeding families, including:

Hospital-based breastfeeding classes (offered by hospitals like WVU Medicine and CAMC)
Peer counselor programs through WIC
Breastfeeding-friendly hospital initiatives encouraged by the West Virginia Breastfeeding Alliance
Public health campaigns to promote breastfeeding awareness

These initiatives help new parents prepare for breastfeeding, address challenges, and build confidence for long-term breastfeeding success.

Breastfeeding families in West Virginia have access to legal protections, healthcare support, educational programs, and community networks, ensuring they have the resources needed for a healthy and empowered breastfeeding journey.