Breastfeeding Laws:
Protecting the Rights of Nursing Families
with Cecilia Maldonado, CLS
Regional Breastfeeding Liaison and Health Education Specialist II
San Bernardino County Department of Public Health:
Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Program
Cecilia Maldonado, CLS is a Certified Lactation Specialist and serves as Health Education Specialist and Regional Breastfeeding Liaison serving the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health WIC. In her role as a Regional Breastfeeding Liaison, she works directly with healthcare providers, hospitals, community organizations, and employers to strengthen breastfeeding support.
The following presentation by Cecilia Maldonado provides valuable information for families and providers about California laws that protect the right to breastfeed and to express milk in public spaces and in the workplace.While leading health organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, the CDC reports that only 27.9% of U.S. infants are exclusively breastfed through six months. Cecilia outlines key legal protections, explains the roles of relevant regulatory agencies, and highlights resources available to families who encounter challenges accessing their rights. She also discusses strategies for reducing stigma and social barriers to breastfeeding, helping to normalize lactation support while promoting positive health outcomes, economic stability for parents, and more family-friendly workplace environments.
Click on the thumbnail below to watch the presentation.
Resource Recommendations from Cecilia
The Pump Closet at St. Bernardine Medical Center
St. Bernardine's Medical Center has collaborated with San Bernardino County’s WIC Program to create a breast pump closet. This secure inventory of hospital-grade breast pumps allows eligible families to access pumps quickly, often before discharge, without extra appointments. The initiative aims to support families needing immediate pump access, especially those with infants in the NICU. Hospitals interested in the program are encouraged to contact the San Bernardino County WIC Program for more information. Contact information below.
​San Bernardino County Department of Public Health WIC
WIC provides breastfeeding education, support, and resources for families throughout San Bernardino County.
Phone: (800) 472-2321
U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division
Learn about federal workplace protections for nursing employees and how to file a complaint if your rights have been violated.
Phone: (866) 487-9243
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WorkLife Law Free Legal Helpline
Offers free legal information and support for individuals experiencing pregnancy, breastfeeding, or caregiving discrimination in the workplace.