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Breastfeeding in Public: Rights and FAQs

#RVABreastfeeds
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Virginia Right to Breastfeed Law

  • A new VA law went into effect on July 1, 2015 which states: Right to breastfeed in public places. Provides that a mother may breastfeed in any place where the mother is lawfully present.

  • This is a common sense law that received widespread public support and was passed unanimously by state legislators.

  • Virginia was one of the last three states to pass a law to protect breastfeeding in public, so this law brings us in line with norms across the country.

  • This new law means that business and venues may not ask a breastfeeding mother to leave, move to another area, or use a cover.

  • Interfering with a mother’s right to breastfeed is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries potential penalties of fines and/or jail time, however the goal is to provide education about the new law and resolve any issues before legal action is needed.

 

FAQ about Breast/Chestfeeding in Public

 

How long do people breastfeed?

Doctors recommend that babies receive only human milk during the first six months and human milk with food thereafter until at least the first year or for as long as the breastfeeding dyad want.

Why is it important for people to feel comfortable to breastfeed in public?  

It’s important for the breastfeeding dyad to have a place where baby/child can calmly breastfeed, with minimal distractions. This is the best environment to assure that a baby is properly fed.

Why don’t people just breastfeed at home and give the bottle when they go out?

It’s important for young babies to breastfeed frequently in order to keep up their parent’s milk supply. Otherwise, the milk can dry up. Most lactating parents and babies don’t want to be confined to their homes for six months. So when they leave home, they need to breastfeed so baby has enough milk. That means that public spaces and people should be accepting of breast/chestfeeding in public.

Why shouldn’t people cover up when they’re breastfeeding?

Each breastfeeding dyad (mother and child) will know the best way to breastfeed.  Some will feel more comfortable covered while some babies feel uncomfortable being covered.  The point is that the breastfeeding dyad should be able to find clean, quiet places to breastfeed in public.

I’m ok with people breastfeeding in public but I think they should cover up.

Not all babies will breastfeed when covered. Some will throw off a blanket or feel hot underneath a cover.

Why can’t they just use a bathroom?

Public bathrooms are unhygienic places to feed a baby.

What should I do if I’m uncomfortable if someone is breastfeeding in public?

You can learn about breastfeeding, how good it is for birthing parents, babies and society, and how it’s important for babies to breastfeed frequently in order to keep up their parent’s milk supply. You can look the other way. You can give the breastfeeding parent an encouraging nod and smile.

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#RVABreastfeeds

@RVABreastfeeds

  • RT @NurtureRVA: In 2021, we conducted an asset mapping process of the #perinatalmentalhealth, #lactation, and #doula support provid… https://t.co/bZ3hbCFQ4K
    Mar 18, 2022, 12:50 PM
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#RVAbreastfeeds is a Healthy Communities Action Team that seeks to reduce childhood obesity through policy, infrastructure, and environmental changes that promote a breastfeeding friendly community. Our work is supported through funding from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth, and administered through Nurture. For further information or to join our email list, please email info@nurtureRVA.org.