Breastfeeding in Washington State (2023)

FAQs

Can you breastfeed in public in Washington state? ›

(RCW 43.70, 9A. 88.010). 2009: Breastfeeding mothers are protected under state anti-discrimination law, and can breastfeed their children in places of public accommodation such as restaurants, pools, theaters, government buildings, museums, libraries, busses, or parks. (RCW 49.60.

All fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have laws that specifically allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location. Thirty-one states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands exempt breastfeeding from public indecency laws.

You are legally allowed to breastfeed your baby in public. That might be a café, shop, library or on public transport (basically any business that provides a service to the public). The Equality Act states that it is sex discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably if she is breastfeeding.

Two nursing breaks of 15 minutes are to be given. The employer will also allow an extra break for the purpose of travel to and from the place or creche where the children are left by the woman while on duty. The period of this travel should be sufficient depending upon the distance to be covered.

During your baby's first few days, you may prefer to breastfeed only where you feel most comfortable. But, as you get more used to doing it, you're likely to feel more confident about breastfeeding in front of other people when you're out and about. Most people support women breastfeeding in public.

Most Muslims see breastfeeding as the God (Allah) given right of the child according to the rules of Shariah (Islamic Law). The religious laws regarding breastfeeding are all from the Quran and give parents a degree of flexibility and choice.

It's easy to breastfeed discreetly in public if you wear the right clothes. A loose-fitting shirt or top that lifts or can be unbuttoned from the waist will let you feed your baby without exposing your breast, because the baby will cover the nipple and lower breast.

Can men breastfeed? The short answer is no, in general men can't lactate or breastfeed. There are some exceptions, though. Some transgender men and nonbinary people nurse their babies (and use the term chestfeeding or bodyfeeding rather than breastfeeding).

There is no law which prevents breastfeeding in public in Dubai, however, local culture promotes modesty. Which means mothers may want to find a private place to breastfeed their little ones. There have been reported cases of women being asked to leave restaurants, whilst breastfeeding.

What does the law say? It is entirely legal to breastfeed in public places anywhere in the UK. According to the Equality Act of 2010, treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding a child of any age is considered sex discrimination.

Is public breastfeeding illegal in Scotland? ›

The right to breastfeed in Scotland. When you are in charge of a child of under 24 months you have the right to breastfeed your child in a public place or on licensed premises (for example on a bus, in a restaurant or in a cinema), as long as the child is lawfully permitted to be in that place.

In Mongolia, breastfeeding is celebrated and public breastfeeding encouraged with 65 percent of babies being exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. Breastfeeding also tends to continue until after the second birthday.

Breastfeeding in China

Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large.

Breastfeeding creates a bonding experience between mother and child because it promotes skin-to-skin contact, more holding and stroking. Many experts say that affectionate bonding during the first years of life helps lessen social and behavioral problems in both children and adults.

There is no need to stop breastfeeding when you return to work. Returning to paid work doesn't prevent you from breastfeeding your baby. Depending on the nature of your job and the age of your baby, you'll probably need to adjust your nursing relationship.

Under the law, employers are required to allow eligible employees reasonable break time to pump whenever needed. Employers are also required to provide eligible employees with a private place to pump—space that is shielded from view, free from intrusion, and NOT in a bathroom.

Access to a sink with running water and a refrigerator suitable for storing milk, in close proximity to the employee's workspace must also be provided by the employer. If your employer has less than 50 employees it may be exempt from the lactations law's requirements if it meets certain conditions.

Breastfeeding in public requires women to be discrete and covered-up, so as not to expose her breast. She is also required to feed in an appropriate place to avoid discomforting others, guard against judgement, and to protect herself from the unwanted male gaze.

Workplace regulations require employers to provide suitable facilities where pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can rest. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that it's good practice for employers to provide a private, healthy and safe environment for breastfeeding mothers to express and store milk.

It's not illegal to breastfeed another person's child. It happens all the time. If the person happens to transmit a disease to the child, there may be a case to make against them.

What did a wet nurse do? ›

Use of a wet nurse, “a woman who breastfeeds another's child” (Davis, 1993, p. 2111), was a common practice before the introduction of the feeding bottle and formula. Wet nursing began as early as 2000 BC and extended until the 20th century.

“Therefore, if one's wife has milk in the breasts and it is feared that by taking them in the mouth, milk will also enter, then it will be impermissible to suck on the breasts. Otherwise, it will be permissible.” All the other madhhabs allow it without any impermissibility attached to it.

If no pillow is available, crossing your leg on the side you are nursing will bring your baby closer to your breast. A lap pillow is essential for women who deliver by C-section to keep the baby's weight from pressing against their incision.

Many breastfeeding mums choose to stop drinking alcohol, however, occasional light drinking while breastfeeding has not been shown to have any adverse effects on babies. Alcohol is best avoided until your baby is over three months old and then enjoyed as an occasional treat.

A woman can only act as a wet nurse if she is lactating (producing milk). It was once believed that a wet nurse must have recently undergone childbirth in order to lactate. This is not necessarily the case, as regular breast stimulation can elicit lactation via a neural reflex of prolactin production and secretion.

Breast milk tastes like milk, but probably a different kind than the store-bought one you're used to. The most popular description is “heavily sweetened almond milk.” The flavor is affected by what each mom eats and the time of day. Here's what some moms, who've tasted it, also say it tastes like: cucumbers.

What makes a man lactate? Most cases of male galactorrhea are caused by high levels of a hormone called prolactin. Prolactin is the human hormone that stimulates milk production. Everyone has a small amount of prolactin in their blood, but it is not usually enough to lead to milk production.

The United Arab Emirates has passed a law requiring mothers to breastfeed their children until they are two years old.

Babies need to hear language before they can start talking. You are supporting and loving your baby by talking to them, even if they can't talk back yet.

How do you breastfeed in public with muslin? ›

Take a scarf or muslin with you

Some mums say they feel more comfortable when they are 'covered' with a scarf or muslin. Draping one of these over your shoulder and chest while you feed can give you and your baby privacy, but just make sure your baby can breathe easily.

All mothers have the right to breastfeed their babies in public anywhere, anytime. policy, no one should stop a mother from breastfeeding her child, ask her to cover up or move her to another place.

There's no reason why you should not continue breastfeeding your child into their 2nd year and beyond. You and your toddler can continue to enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding for as long as you want to. Your toddler may also find breastfeeding comforting when they're ill or upset.

Pope Francis baptized 34 babies Sunday in an annual ceremony in the Sistine Chapel. He repeated advice from previous years: mothers should feel free to breastfeed during the service. There are many spaces where women are discouraged from breastfeeding in public.

Can I Breastfeed in Public? Yes! In 2018, House Bill 448 was introduced and later passed to amend sections of Idaho Code that specifically call out breastfeeding as EXEMPT from indecent exposure laws.

If you're planning to breastfeed, wear whatever feels comfortable for you to feed in. And don't forget, it's absolutely your right to breastfeed in public places including public transport, such as buses and trains (Maternity Action, 2018).

Nevada Law on Breastfeeding in Public

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a mother may breast feed her child in any public or private location where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether the nipple of the mother's breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breastfeeding.

This decreased to 72% in 2019/20 and remained the same in provisional data for 2021/22 (covering April to October 2021). Between 2009/10 and 2018/19, the percentage of infants totally or partially breastfed at six to eight weeks fluctuated at around 45%, before increasing to 48% in 2019/20 and 2020/21.

LONDON — Only 1 in 200 women in the U.K., or 0.5 percent, breastfeed their children until they are 1 year old — the lowest rate in the world.

Croatia has the highest rate of breastfeeding in the entire world. More than 98 percent of all babies are breastfed starting at birth. Some of the other countries that also have very high rates of breastfeeding include Rwanda, Chile, and Burundi. All of these countries have breastfeeding rates greater than 80 percent.

Is breastfeeding common in Japan? ›

According to surveys conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan, more than 90% of pregnant women hope to breastfeed their children. Nevertheless, only 50% of mothers are able to continue EBF with their children up to even 3 months postpartum⁴.

Low rate of breastfeeding in China attributed to heavy marketing of infant formula. Only 29.2% of infants aged six months and below are exclusively breastfed in China, with the heavy marketing of infant formula found to be a key factor, a study conducted by the China Development Research Foundation has found.

New mums should be advised that it is normal for their baby to cry more if they are breastfed, say experts. The Medical Research Council team says this irritability is natural, and although formula-fed babies may appear more content and be easier to pacify, breast is still best.

Babies recognize their mother's scent even before they are born. Your baby is biologically and genetically programmed to connect to you through your unique smell.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years of age or longer.

Under the law, employers are required to allow eligible employees reasonable break time to pump whenever needed. Employers are also required to provide eligible employees with a private place to pump—space that is shielded from view, free from intrusion, and NOT in a bathroom.

Chestfeeding is feeding your baby with milk from your chest. If you're able to chestfeed, it's your decision whether you do and you can change your mind at any time. You will be fully supported in any decisions you make.

What must an employer provide to workers who need to express breast milk in the workplace? Employers are required to provide a reasonable amount of break time and a space to express milk as frequently as needed by the nursing mother, for up to one year following the birth of the employee's child.

Prolactin. Prolactin is necessary for the secretion of milk by the cells of the alveoli.

What does Islam say about breastfeeding? ›

Most Muslims see breastfeeding as the God (Allah) given right of the child according to the rules of Shariah (Islamic Law). The religious laws regarding breastfeeding are all from the Quran and give parents a degree of flexibility and choice.

Globally, La Leche League International notes, the average age of weaning hovers near 4 or 5 years. However, research by an anthropologist at Texas A&M University argues that the natural weaning age for humans is somewhere between 2.5 and 6 years old.

How often do nursing moms need breaks to pump? Women typically pump every 2 to 3 hours, or around two to three times per 8-hour work period. Women who work 12-hour shifts may need to pump three to four times to maintain their milk production.

The answer is yes! Although rare, there are historical records of men breastfeeding their infants, usually when the mother was unable to because of illness or death.

The short answer is no, in general men can't lactate or breastfeed. There are some exceptions, though. Some transgender men and nonbinary people nurse their babies (and use the term chestfeeding or bodyfeeding rather than breastfeeding).

Chestfeeding is a word that may be new to you if you've just given birth and are new to the world of lactation yourself. Pickles & Ice Cream Georgia® is here to explain this term, when to use it, and why it's relevant to you! Physically, chestfeeding is exactly the same as breastfeeding.

A layered look of a sweater or a V-neck top over a nursing tank can also allow you to pump discreetly while still looking put together. Try to relax. It can be hard to get your breast milk flowing if you're stressed, so take some time to transition from work to your pumping space.

Employees who have a right to pump milk at work also have a right to store their milk safely. Your employer must provide ​a refrigerator suitable for storing milk nearby your work area. ​If a refrigerator cannot be provided, your employer must provide another device to keep your milk cool.

The law does not specify the amount of break time. Some mothers need 15 minutes, but other mothers may need 30 minutes or more. Some mothers might only pump twice a day, other mothers might pump four times. “Reasonable” break time makes accommodation for variations in biology.

There is no maximum age, up to which a mother can produce breast milk. Whenever the pregnancy happens, the lactogen process starts immediately.

Why some mothers Cannot produce milk? ›

Various factors can cause a low milk supply during breast-feeding, such as waiting too long to start breast-feeding, not breast-feeding often enough, supplementing breastfeeding, an ineffective latch and use of certain medications. Sometimes previous breast surgery affects milk production.

Calories burned during breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can also help you manage or lose your postpartum weight. Moms burn about 500 extra calories a day while producing breast milk, which could lead to faster weight loss after birth.