The Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights

The Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights took effect May 1, 2010. This new law provides rights to mothers choosing to breastfeed before delivery, in the hospital and birthing facilities, and in the community once discharged from the hospital or birthing facility, including:

* The right to information that is free of commercial interests;
* The right to have her baby stay with her immediately after delivery to facilitate breastfeeding;
* The right to ask that no bottles of formula or water be given to her baby;
* The right to have 24-hour access to her baby with the right to breastfeed anytime;
* The right to refuse any gifts or take home packets containing formula. All hospitals and birthing centers providing maternity care services in New York State will be required to publicly post the Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights and give it to all pregnant women attending prenatal childbirth education classes.