Wisconsin

Breastfeeding in Wisconsin

Breastfeeding in Wisconsin is supported by various laws, programs, and resources designed to ensure that parents 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 Wisconsin, breastfeeding mothers are exempt from public indecency laws, allowing them to breastfeed in any public or private location. Additionally, while Wisconsin law does not specifically exempt breastfeeding mothers from jury duty, some states have provisions for such exemptions.

Right to Breastfeed in Public
Wisconsin law permits a mother to breastfeed her child in any public or private location where she is otherwise authorized to be. This ensures that mothers can breastfeed without fear of discrimination or legal repercussions.

Workplace Protections
While Wisconsin does not have specific state laws protecting breastfeeding in the workplace, federal laws provide such 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 her nursing child for one year after the child's birth.

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA): Mandates that covered employers provide reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation would cause undue hardship. Learn More

Support for Breastfeeding Families
Wisconsin Breastfeeding Coalition (WBC)
The WBC is a nonprofit organization aiming to improve health in Wisconsin by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. They offer resources, education, and advocacy to help families overcome barriers to breastfeeding.

Wisconsin WIC Program – Breastfeeding Support
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Wisconsin provides:
Breastfeeding education and counseling
Peer counseling programs
Breast pumps and supplies
Nutritional support for pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and children

Hospital Lactation Support
Several hospitals and clinics in Wisconsin offer lactation consultant services to assist new mothers with breastfeeding challenges:

Breastfeeding in Rural and Remote Communities

Virtual Lactation Support
Given Wisconsin's diverse geography, virtual lactation support is available to reach mothers in remote areas:

Wisco Lactation: Offers various virtual visit options, including initial evaluations, follow-up visits, prenatal consultations, and counseling sessions.

Nest Collaborative: Provides online lactation consults with appointments available same-day, covered in full by most insurance plans.

Local and Indigenous Support Programs
Native Breastfeeding Coalition of Wisconsin: Aims to strengthen and encourage the traditional practice of breastfeeding within Native communities in Wisconsin.

Education and Awareness

Wisconsin offers numerous breastfeeding education programs for new parents

Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Online Training: An online training approved for continuing education for Wisconsin child care providers.