Mississippi

Mothers in Mississippi have the right to breastfeed in any public or private location they are legally allowed to be. In addition to the federal FLSA’s PUMP Act that provides workplace lactation accommodation protections for all breastfeeding employees, Mississippi law provides an extra level of support.

We’ve awarded Mississippi two drops on our scale.

MS Breastfeeding Laws: In Public

Mothers in Mississippi have the right to breastfeed in public. Read the law: Miss. Code Ann. § 17-25-7/9 (2006)

MS Breastfeeding Laws: At Work

The federal FLSA’s PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act protects all breastfeeding employees by mandating reasonable break time and a private (non-bathroom) workplace lactation space. But Mississippi already has a lactation accommodation law that requires employers to provide break time for breastfeeding employees. Employers in Mississippi cannot prohibit employees from using their breaks to express milk. Read the law: Miss. Code Ann. § 71-1-55

Child-care facilities are also required to provide breastfeeding mothers (including employees) with a space (other than a bathroom) to pump or nurse. The space must include an outlet and be near a water source. Read the law: § 43-20-31

MS Breastfeeding Information + Resources

Breastfeeding mothers in Mississippi are exempt from indecent exposure laws and jury duty.

The Mississippi Breastfeeding Coalition’s vision is for a “healthier Mississippi through breastfeeding.” Visit the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee for a full list of state breastfeeding coalitions.

Breastfeeding Law Rating Key

One drop: There is no state-level workplace lactation legislation beyond the PUMP Act.

Two drops: State law exceeds the PUMP Act in one of the following ways: 1) Lower threshold for employer exemption; 2) Workplace protections beyond one year; 3) Requirements for lactation spaces (e.g. electrical outlets); 4) Protections for specific populations other than employees (e.g. students).

Three drops: State law exceeds the PUMP Act in at least two of the following ways: 1) Lower threshold for employer exemption; 2) workplace protections beyond one year; 3) requirements for lactation spaces (e.g. electrical outlets); 4) protections for specific populations other than employees (e.g. students).

Disclaimer: Please consult a professional for legal advice. Our information on breastfeeding laws is not a substitute for legal counsel.