Mothers' Rights to Breastfeed or Express Breast Milk
New York State (NYS) has laws to protect and support breastfeeding.
Mothers' Rights to Breastfeed in Any Public or Private Location
NYS Civil Rights law provides a mother the right to breast feed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise allowed to be, whether or not the nipple of the mother's breast is covered during breastfeeding.
- Civil Rights Complaints: How to file a civil rights complaint through the Office of the Attorney General.
Rights of Nursing Mothers Returning to Work
NYS Nursing Mothers in the Workplace law provides mothers the right to nurse or pump at her workplace up to three years following the birth of her baby.
- Learn about the Rights of Nursing Mothers in the Workplace
- How to file a complaint with the NYS Department of Labor's Division of Labor Standards:
- All complaints are confidential and will not be shared with your employer.
- Call 1-888-52-LABOR, send a message to LSAsk@labor.ny.gov , or visit the nearest Labor Standards office to personally file a complaint at: Division of Labor Standards District Offices.
Rights of Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Hospitals and Clinics
The Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights requires health care providers and hospitals providing maternity care services to inform pregnant women and new mothers of their rights in support of breastfeeding.
Maternity Information: Childbirth Services: NYS Public Health Law requires each hospital to provide information about its childbirth practices and procedures. This information can help you better understand what to expect, learn more about childbirth choices, and plan for baby's birth.
Complaints about NY Hospitals and Diagnostic and Treatment Centers: To make a complaint, call the toll-free number at 1-800-804-5447, or print and complete the Health Facility Complaint Form.
