The Law Is On Your Side

Uninformed people may be squeamish about seeing a mother breastfeeding in public, but rest assured—the law is on the mom’s side. Under Florida law (FS 383.015), a woman has the right to breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private. Most women tend to find a private location and/or cover themselves while doing so, but that’s not required by law. And if you go back to work while still breastfeeding, your employer is required to provide time and a private space (not a bathroom!) where you can pump breast milk.

for help in the hospital,” says Jennifer. “We see all these depictions of mothers happily breastfeeding, and that’s not realistic, but help is available.”

“Every child and situation is di erent. If you expect everything to be smooth sailing, you’ll get frustrated and be tempted to quit,” adds Christy. “It’s completely normal to experience challenges with breastfeeding, but women don’t always have the shared knowledge of how common it is to have problems, and new moms are so vulnerable to feeling a sense of failure.”

In addition to regular breastfeeding classes and the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program, the Florida Department of Health also o ers a Healthy Start program.

“It’s risk-based not income-based, so if you’re having trouble breastfeeding, you can get one-on-one-help at no cost,” explains Christy. “Someone from the program can come to your home, evaluate and address any problems, and help you learn techniques for easier breastfeeding.”

Learn More:

› flbreastfeeding.org

› usbreastfeeding.org

› floridahealth.gov/programs-andservices/childrens-health/ breastfeeding

› llli.org

› lllflorida.com/lalecheleague/ groups/lll-of-marion-county

› Marion County WIC: (352) 622-1161

› Marion County Healthy Start Program: (352) 644-2717