Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, mothers have the right to breastfeed in any public location, as long as they are legally allowed to be there. The federal FLSA’s PUMP Act provides workplace lactation accommodation protections for all breastfeeding employees, but Wisconsin has no additional state-level workplace lactation accommodation laws.

We’ve awarded Wisconsin 1 drop on our scale.

WI Breastfeeding Laws: In Public

Wisconsin state law protects a mother’s right to breastfeed in public. Read the law: 2009 Wis. Laws, Act 148

WI Breastfeeding Laws: At Work

Unfortunately, Wisconsin doesn’t have any state legislation to protect and support breastfeeding in the workplace. But all breastfeeding employees in Wisconsin are protected by the federal FLSA’s PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. Under this federal mandate, breastfeeding employees are entitled to reasonable break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) to pump at work for one year.

WI Law Breastfeeding-Positive Municipalities

Dane County

Dane County—the home of the state capital, Madison, and the second largest county in Wisconsin—sets itself apart from other Wisconsin counties. In 2014 they passed a resolution requiring every county-owned building to provide a space (other than a bathroom) for pumping. Read the law: Resolution Providing Lactation Rooms

WI Breastfeeding Information + Resources

Breastfeeding mothers in Wisconsin are exempt from public indecency laws.

The Wisconsin Breastfeeding Coalition “strives to improve WI health by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.” Visit here.

Visit 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.