This webpage contains several resources for guidance and support related to human milk feeding.
Support for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Coalitions
These groups are based in Virginia and are formed of individuals who are working to advocate, promote, and support human milk feeding across the state. This list is not exhaustive, and there may be an organization in your area that we have not listed below.
- BREAST Roanoke
- Blue Ridge Breastfeeding Coalition
- Loudon Breastfeeding Coalition
- Virginia Breastfeeding Coalition
Breastfeeding Support
Public Breastfeeding Law
Enacted in 2015, Code of Virginia § 32.1-370 states in relevant part, “A mother may breastfeed in any place where the mother is lawfully present, including any location where she would otherwise not be allowed.” Any questions or concerns about the law or violation of rights should be reported to vabreastfeeds@vdh.virginia.gov.
Educational Materials
The following section contains educational materials available for download about human milk feeding (this includes breastfeeding and feeding an infant pumped milk or donor milk).
Emergency Preparedness
The following links are handouts related to infant and young child feeding during emergencies.
- Breastfeeding During a Disaster and Other Emergencies
- Cup Feeding Infants During Emergencies
- Cleaning Infant Feeding Items During Emergencies
- Prepare and Store Powdered Infant Formula in Emergencies
- Rapid Needs Assessment Intake for Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies
Breastfeeding Guidance; Handling and Expressing Milk, Relactation
The following handouts are related to safe handling of human milk, relactation, and hand expression.
Labor Rights
The following materials include information for lactation rights for those employed in Virginia.
- Pregnant, Postpartum, and Pumping Workers: Know Your Rights
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act & State & Local Government Workplaces
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Protections for Pumping at Work
- Virginia Breastfeeding Law Overview for Businesses
- Workplace Protections for Employees Who Pump
- Virginia Lactation Law Webinar
- Lactation Law Webinar Materials
Education and Training
Below are materials related to breastfeeding education and training.