Breastfeeding is natural. But knowing your legal rights? That part can feel confusing. Whether you’re a new mom, a working parent, or just someone trying to understand the law, this guide is for you.
Alabama has a few key protections in place for nursing mothers. Some come from state law. Others come from federal law. Let’s break it all down in plain language.
What Is Breastfeeding Law?
Breastfeeding law covers where you can nurse your baby and what rights you have at work. These laws protect moms from being told to stop, leave, or cover up.
They also protect working moms who need to pump breast milk during the workday. Right? It seems obvious. But without laws in place, many moms faced real problems.
Alabama’s Public Breastfeeding Law
Here’s the big one. Alabama passed a state law back in 2006. It’s called Alabama Code Section 22-1-13.
This law says a mother can breastfeed her child in any public or private location. If you are allowed to be in that space, you can breastfeed there. That’s it. Simple.
Not sure if this applies to restaurants, parks, or stores? It does. If you have a right to be there, you have a right to breastfeed there. So simple!
There is no “cover up” requirement in this law. You do not have to use a nursing cover or blanket. No one can legally force you to.
Can Someone Ask You to Leave?
This is where things get real. A business owner or staff member may not legally force you to stop breastfeeding or move to a different area.
Think of it like being asked to stop eating in a restaurant. You have a right to be there and do what you came to do. The same idea applies here.
Honestly, this is the part most people miss. The law is on your side. You don’t have to move. You don’t have to hide. You’re protected.
Breastfeeding at Work: Federal Law Has You Covered
Hold on, this part is important. Alabama does not have its own workplace breastfeeding law. But that doesn’t mean you’re unprotected.
Federal law steps in and covers you. The law is called the PUMP Act. It stands for Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act. It became fully effective in April 2023.
Under this law, your employer must give you reasonable break time to pump breast milk at work. This protection lasts until your baby’s first birthday.
Your employer must also provide a private space for pumping. And no, the bathroom does not count. It must be a real space. One that is shielded from view and free from interruptions.
Pretty straightforward, right?
Who Does the PUMP Act Cover?
Most employees are covered. The PUMP Act expanded protections to include nurses, teachers, farm workers, and even remote employees who work from home.
Before 2023, many of these workers were left out. Now they’re protected too.
Wondering if this applies to you? If your employer has 50 or more employees, you are almost certainly covered. If your employer has fewer than 50 employees, there is a small exception. They may be excused if providing break time would create a serious burden for the business. But this exception is narrow and rarely applies.
Does Your Break Time Have to Be Paid?
Most of the time, pumping breaks do not have to be paid. But wait, it gets better.
If your employer already gives paid breaks to other employees, your pumping break during that paid time must also be paid. Your employer cannot single you out and make your break unpaid when everyone else gets paid breaks.
Stay with me here. This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the law.
Parker’s Law: A Brand New Protection in 2025
A friend asked me about this last week. Turns out, most people haven’t heard of it yet. In May 2025, Alabama passed a new law called Parker’s Law.
This law exempts nursing mothers from jury duty. You heard that right.
If you are breastfeeding, you can be excused from jury service for up to 24 months. All you have to do is provide a written statement to the court confirming that you are a nursing mother.
The law came after a powerful and very public story. A mom named Kandace Brown was threatened by a Jefferson County judge for bringing her three-month-old daughter to the courthouse during jury duty. The baby was exclusively breastfed. The story went viral and sparked a state law in just nine months.
Parker’s Law went into effect on October 1, 2025. If you are called to jury duty while breastfeeding, you now have the legal right to be excused.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
There’s another federal law you should know about. It’s called the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. It went into effect in June 2023.
This law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery. That can include pumping breaks and other needs tied to breastfeeding.
Think of it as a backup to the PUMP Act. Together, these two federal laws give working moms a strong layer of protection.
What If Your Employer Violates the Law?
Okay, pause. Read this carefully. If your employer is not following the PUMP Act, you have real options.
You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. You can also file a private lawsuit to enforce your rights.
You’re not alone. Many moms don’t realize how strong these protections are until they need them. Don’t wait to find out. Know your rights before you go back to work.
How to Protect Your Rights at Work
You’re gonna love this one. The best time to talk to your employer about pumping is before your baby arrives. Try to have this conversation during your second or third trimester.
Ask where you can pump. Ask how often you’ll be able to take breaks. Get an agreement in place early. When baby comes, everything will already be set up.
If you run into resistance, refer your employer to the U.S. Department of Labor’s website. They have resources specifically for employers who need guidance on the PUMP Act.
Alabama’s Breastfeeding Support Resources
Alabama has a few great resources for nursing moms. The Alabama Breastfeeding Committee, known as ABC, is a good starting point. They provide information about state law, the PUMP Act, and Baby-Friendly hospitals in Alabama.
The Alabama Department of Public Health also offers breastfeeding support through local clinics and Baby Cafe groups. These are free, in-person support groups where moms can get help with their breastfeeding journey.
If you are on WIC, Alabama’s WIC program actively supports and encourages breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers can participate in WIC until their child’s first birthday.
Penalties and Consequences for Violations
Most people don’t realize how strict these federal protections really are. If an employer violates the PUMP Act, they can face real legal consequences.
An employee can file a formal complaint with the Department of Labor. Or they can bring a private lawsuit. Employers found in violation may owe back pay, damages, or other relief.
Less severe than a criminal charge, but still no joke. Employers who ignore these laws put themselves at legal and financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone ask me to cover up while breastfeeding in Alabama?
No. Alabama law says you can breastfeed in any public or private place. There is no requirement to use a cover.
Does my employer have to pay me for pumping breaks?
Not always. Pumping breaks can be unpaid. But if your employer offers paid breaks to other employees, your pumping break during that time must also be paid.
What if my employer doesn’t have a private room for pumping?
Your employer is required to provide a space that is not a bathroom, is private, and is free from interruptions. If they fail to do this, you can file a complaint with the Department of Labor.
How long is my employer required to support pumping at work?
Under the PUMP Act, your employer must support pumping breaks for up to one year after your baby’s birth.
How do I get excused from jury duty if I am breastfeeding?
Under Parker’s Law, you just need to provide a written statement to the court confirming that you are nursing. You will then be exempt for up to 24 months.
What if I have fewer employees than 50 at my company?
Your employer may qualify for a small business exception if providing accommodations creates an undue hardship. But this exception is narrow. Most small businesses still need to comply.
Where can I report a breastfeeding violation at work?
You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division online or by phone at 1-866-4-US-WAGE.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the basics. Alabama protects your right to breastfeed in public. Federal law protects your right to pump at work. And brand-new Parker’s Law protects you from being forced to serve jury duty while nursing.
Most people don’t know all of this. But you do now. Stay informed, know your rights, and don’t be afraid to use them. When in doubt, reach out to the Alabama Breastfeeding Committee or consult a local employment attorney.
