Free Breast Pumps and Maternity Support for Single Mothers in Louisiana
Free Breast Pumps and Maternity Support for Single Mothers in Louisiana
Last updated: September 2025
Emergency Help First
If you need immediate help getting a pump, feeding support, or urgent pregnancy help, start here.
- 24/7 Louisiana maternal and baby support line: 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229) – connects you to local resources, WIC, clinics, and more through the state’s Partners for Healthy Babies program. (1800251baby.org)
- Louisiana WIC statewide contact: 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229) or use the LA WIC clinic finder to get the nearest office and same‑day guidance on pump access after delivery. (ldh.la.gov, louisianawic.org)
- Healthy Louisiana (Medicaid) Member Services: 1‑855‑229‑6848 (TTY 1‑855‑526‑3346) for plan help and coverage questions. (ldh.la.gov)
- Workplace pumping rights questions: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division helpline 1‑866‑4US‑WAGE; see federal pump‑at‑work protections and complaint info. (dol.gov)
- 211 Louisiana: Dial 211 or text your ZIP to 898‑211 for local food, baby supplies, rent help, and clinic referrals. (louisiana211.org)
Quick Help Box
- Fastest way to a free electric pump if you have Louisiana Medicaid: Ask your OB to complete Louisiana’s required “Electric Breast Pump Request Form” at 32 weeks or later. Medicaid covers one electric double pump per delivery when criteria are met. Hospital‑grade, manual, and single pumps are not covered. (ldh.la.gov)
- Fastest way via WIC: WIC can issue a personal electric pump after birth if you are a certified breastfeeding participant and didn’t already get a pump through Healthy Louisiana. Hospital‑grade pump loans are available when medically needed. Call your clinic or 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229). (louisianawic.org)
- If you have employer or Marketplace insurance: Plans must cover breastfeeding support and a pump with no copay for the duration of breastfeeding. Call the number on your card and ask about manual vs electric, purchase vs rental, and timing rules. (healthcare.gov)
- Need donor milk for a medically fragile infant: Louisiana law requires health plans to cover medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk for up to two months with a prescription. See HMBANA‑accredited bank info below. (legis.la.gov)
- Back‑to‑work or back‑to‑school: You have federal pump‑at‑work rights and Louisiana‑specific protections in public schools and state buildings. Details in the Workplace Rights section. (dol.gov, legis.la.gov, legis.la.gov)
How This Guide Fills Gaps You’ll See in Search Results
- Many top results are national vendors that don’t explain Louisiana Medicaid’s exact form and timing at 32 weeks or the “no hospital‑grade/manual” rule. We cite the state’s Informational Bulletin with the current rules and phone numbers. (ldh.la.gov)
- WIC pages often explain “who gets pumps,” but not the interplay with Healthy Louisiana or how to re‑certify postpartum. We connect both, plus the clinic finder and hotline. (louisianawic.org)
- Few pages show 2025 WIC income numbers or LaMOMS monthly limits in one place. We include both tables below using official sources. (fns.usda.gov, ldh.la.gov)
- Louisiana‑specific rights for students and public spaces are easy to miss. We include the exact Louisiana statutes and where to push back if you’re denied space or time. (legis.la.gov)
The Fast Track: Choose Your Situation
If you have Louisiana Medicaid or are applying during pregnancy
- Action first: At your next prenatal visit after 32 weeks, ask your provider for the Louisiana “Electric Breast Pump Request Form,” plus a prescription and documentation of breastfeeding education. These are required by Louisiana Medicaid for coverage. (ldh.la.gov)
- What’s covered: A personal‑use electric double pump, once per delivery, generally one pump every three years. Hospital‑grade, manual, or single pumps aren’t covered by Medicaid. Supplies are covered at defined intervals. (ldh.la.gov, lamedicaid.com)
- Where to get it: The provider sends you to a Medicaid‑enrolled DME supplier. If you’re in a managed care plan, call Healthy Louisiana for help locating an in‑network DME. Member Services 1‑855‑229‑6848. (ldh.la.gov)
- If you’re not on Medicaid yet: Apply for LaMOMS (pregnancy Medicaid). It covers prenatal care, delivery, and up to 12 months postpartum. Phone 1‑888‑342‑6207 or apply online via Get Covered. (ldh.la.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Try WIC postpartum: If Medicaid coverage stalls, WIC can issue a pump after delivery based on need. Use the clinic finder or call 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229). (louisianawic.org)
- Escalate inside Medicaid: Ask your plan for DME provider help. For fee‑for‑service claims questions, call (800) 473‑2783 or (225) 924‑5040. (ldh.la.gov)
- Ask your hospital: If baby is in the NICU, hospital lactation staff can coordinate a hospital‑grade loan via WIC when medically needed, and help file the Medicaid pump request. (ldh.la.gov)
If you are on an employer plan or Marketplace plan
- Action first: Call the number on your insurance card and ask for “breastfeeding benefits.” Plans must cover supplies and counseling with no copay for the duration of breastfeeding. Coverage varies on the type and timing of pump. (healthcare.gov)
- Key questions to ask:
- Will you cover a new personal electric pump, or a rental
- When can I order it
- Do you require a prescription or prior authorization
- Which in‑network DME suppliers can ship to me
- If uninsured after birth: Having a baby triggers a 60‑day Special Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov. Coverage can start the day baby is born. (healthcare.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Use WIC: If your plan delays shipping, WIC can help immediately after birth, especially for work or school separation needs. (louisianawic.org)
- Appeal: If a plan denies a pump type your clinician says is medically appropriate, use the plan’s appeal process and cite federal preventive‑service rules for breastfeeding supplies. (healthcare.gov)
If you plan to use WIC
- Action first: Enroll during pregnancy, then re‑certify postpartum and ask about pump options. WIC issues pumps after birth and loans hospital‑grade pumps when medically needed. (louisianawic.org)
- Get connected: Find your clinic and schedule by ZIP or call 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229). WIC also offers Peer Counselors and 24/7 lactation help via the Pacify app for eligible participants. (louisianawic.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Coordinate with Medicaid: If you have Healthy Louisiana, confirm you didn’t already receive a pump through your plan. WIC will not duplicate that benefit. (louisianawic.org)
- Escalate within WIC: Ask for a breastfeeding assessment and explain work, school, NICU, latch, or supply issues that qualify you for a personal electric or hospital‑grade loan. (louisianawic.org)
Who Qualifies Financially
WIC 2025‑2026 income limits for Louisiana
WIC uses the federal 185 percent of poverty limits. If you receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you already meet WIC income rules. Table below shows monthly limits for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. (Louisiana uses these figures). Effective July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. (fns.usda.gov)
| Household size | Monthly income at 185% FPL |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $4,957 |
| 5 | $5,805 |
| 6 | $6,653 |
| 7 | $7,501 |
| 8 | $8,349 |
- Add per additional person: $848. (fns.usda.gov)
LaMOMS (Pregnancy Medicaid) 2025 monthly limits
Louisiana posts program limits by family size. LaMOMS covers pregnancy and may provide coverage for up to 12 months postpartum. Remember Louisiana counts the pregnant woman plus unborn(s) in family size for eligibility determination. (ldh.la.gov)
| Family size | Monthly income limit for LaMOMS |
|---|---|
| 2 | $2,433 |
| 3 | $3,065 |
| 4 | $3,698 |
| 5 | $4,330 |
| 6 | $4,963 |
| 7 | $5,595 |
| 8 | $6,228 |
- Apply by phone: 1‑888‑342‑6207 or use the state’s Get Covered portal. (ldh.la.gov)
Exactly What Medicaid Covers for Pumps in Louisiana
- Covered pump: Personal‑use electric double pump. One per delivery, generally once every three years. (lamedicaid.com)
- When you can get it: At 32 weeks with required documentation and intent to breastfeed, or postpartum. (ldh.la.gov)
- Documentation required:
- Prescription from your clinician.
- Proof of breastfeeding education from your clinician, licensed breastfeeding practitioner, or healthcare professional.
- Attestation that Medicaid has not purchased a pump in the past three years for the same delivery.
- Completed Electric Breast Pump Request Form signed by the clinician and you or your representative.
(ldh.la.gov)
- Not covered by Medicaid: Hospital‑grade, manual, or single pumps. (ldh.la.gov)
- Supplies: Appropriate supplies are covered at defined intervals with a prescription. (lamedicaid.com)
- Help with claims: Fee‑for‑service questions (800) 473‑2783 or (225) 924‑5040; plan questions go to your managed care plan or Healthy Louisiana 1‑855‑229‑6848. (ldh.la.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Ask for case management through your health plan for faster DME coordination.
- Get a temporary loaner through WIC if your baby is hospitalized or you’re separated, while the Medicaid pump request is processing. (ldh.la.gov)
What WIC Can Provide in Louisiana
- After birth: WIC issues personal electric pumps to breastfeeding participants who need them to maintain supply when returning to work or school, and loans hospital‑grade pumps when medically needed. Pumps are issued based on a breastfeeding assessment. (louisianawic.org)
- If you already received a pump through Medicaid: WIC won’t duplicate. Confirm pump status with your plan before your WIC appointment. (louisianawic.org)
- Support: Peer Counselors, clinic lactation staff, virtual support groups, and 24/7 lactation help via Pacify for eligible WIC participants. (louisianawic.org)
- Find a clinic or book: Use the LA WIC clinic finder or call 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229). (louisianawic.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Ask for a breastfeeding assessment and explain your daily schedule, latch concerns, NICU separation, or supply issues.
- If you’re not yet on WIC: Apply online via the interest form and schedule your certification visit. Bring ID, proof of Louisiana residency, and proof of income if requested. (louisianawic.org)
If You’re Using Employer or Marketplace Insurance
- Your right to coverage: Non‑grandfathered plans must cover breastfeeding counseling and supplies with no copay. What’s “covered” can vary by plan (manual vs electric, rental vs purchase, timing), so call your plan early. (healthcare.gov)
- Special Enrollment after birth: If you’re uninsured or want to add baby, you have 60 days after birth to enroll in a Marketplace plan. Coverage can start the day baby is born. (healthcare.gov)
- Tax‑advantaged accounts: Breast pumps and lactation supplies are eligible medical expenses under IRS rules, which can be paid or reimbursed through FSA/HSA if not covered by insurance. (irs.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Appeal: If your doctor recommends a specific pump that’s medically appropriate and the plan denies it, file an internal appeal and ask your clinician to include medical notes. Cite the federal preventive‑services requirement for breastfeeding supplies. (healthcare.gov)
- Bridge support: Ask WIC for a short‑term hospital‑grade loan if baby is in the NICU, or a personal pump if you are separated for work or school. (louisianawic.org)
Your Pumping Rights in Louisiana
- Federal pump‑at‑work rights: Under the PUMP Act and FLSA, most employees are entitled to reasonable break time and a private, non‑bathroom space to pump for one year after birth. The space must be functional and free from intrusion. Teleworkers are covered. Employers with fewer than 50 employees may claim undue hardship in limited cases. (dol.gov)
- Louisiana public breastfeeding law: You may breastfeed in any place you’re otherwise authorized to be, public or private, and discrimination in public accommodations is prohibited. (legis.la.gov)
- Louisiana public high schools: Schools must provide reasonable accommodations for lactating students, including a private space that’s not a restroom, time to pump, power access, and safe milk storage. No academic penalty is allowed. (legis.la.gov)
- Louisiana public school employees: Local school boards must provide a private room (not a restroom) and reasonable break time to express milk for up to one year after birth. (legis.la.gov)
- Louisiana state‑owned buildings: State buildings must provide suitable lactation accommodation. (legis.la.gov)
- FMLA basics: Many workers can take up to 12 weeks of job‑protected leave for birth and bonding if eligible. Requirements include 12 months of employment, 1,250 hours worked in the prior 12 months, and employer size threshold. (dol.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- File a complaint: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division for pump‑at‑work violations; or the EEOC for pregnancy and lactation accommodation issues under the PWFA. (dol.gov, eeoc.gov)
- Show the fact sheet: Bring DOL Fact Sheet #73 or #73A to HR to resolve issues quickly. (dol.gov)
Donor Human Milk and Lactation Care Benefits
- Donor milk coverage: Louisiana law requires health coverage plans to cover medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk for up to two months with a clinician’s prescription when baby or mother can’t provide adequate maternal milk. Plans may require HMBANA‑member bank milk. (legis.la.gov)
- Find an accredited milk bank: The Mothers’ Milk Bank of Louisiana at Ochsner Baptist is a HMBANA‑accredited nonprofit bank serving the region. HMBANA lists banks and contact info. (hmbana.org)
- Postpartum lactation care: Louisiana law requires plans that cover maternity services to include postpartum services from qualified lactation care providers as a preventive benefit with no cost sharing. (legis.la.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Ask your clinician to prescribe donor milk and cite Louisiana RS 22:1059.3 if the plan is unaware, and request medical necessity documentation. (legis.la.gov)
- For coverage of lactation visits, cite Louisiana RS 22:1059.5 and federal preventive‑service rules. (legis.la.gov, healthcare.gov)
Money‑Saving Louisiana Rules You Can Use
- Sales tax break: Louisiana exempts breastfeeding items like pumps, parts, bags, and nursing bras from state sales and use tax. Keep receipts when buying out‑of‑pocket. (legis.la.gov)
- IRS medical expense rules: If you pay out‑of‑pocket, pumps and lactation supplies are eligible medical expenses for FSA/HSA or itemized deductions. (irs.gov)
Timelines: What to Expect
| Situation | Typical timeline in Louisiana | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid pump at 32 weeks | Order approved once documentation is complete at or after 32 weeks; shipping time varies by DME and plan | Ask OB to start paperwork at your 32‑week visit; verify DME in‑network and shipping address |
| Medicaid pump postpartum | If not done prenatally, submit postpartum with proof of delivery; shipment in several business days depending on DME stock | Ask hospital case manager to fax paperwork before discharge |
| WIC personal electric pump | Assessment at postpartum visit; many clinics issue same day if eligible | Bring baby, ID, and any proof of work/school schedule |
| WIC hospital‑grade loan | For NICU separation or complications; often same day through WIC or hospital referral | Call your clinic or 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229) as soon as baby is admitted |
| Employer/Marketplace plan | Varies by plan rules; some ship during pregnancy, some after birth | Ask early about rental vs purchase and brand options |
Sources for timelines include Louisiana Medicaid bulletins and LA WIC program guidance. (ldh.la.gov, louisianawic.org)
Required Documents and How to Apply
Medicaid and LaMOMS
- What to gather:
- Photo ID and Louisiana address proof
- Pregnancy verification from your provider
- Income info (if requested)
- How to apply: Call 1‑888‑342‑6207 or apply online via the state’s Get Covered page. Ask about LaMOMS. (ldh.la.gov)
- Pump request at 32 weeks: Ask your OB for the Electric Breast Pump Request Form, prescription, and proof of breastfeeding education. (ldh.la.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Ask Healthy Louisiana to help find an in‑network DME supplier and check prior authorization status. 1‑855‑229‑6848. (ldh.la.gov)
WIC
- What to bring to your certification appointment:
- ID, proof you live in Louisiana, and income docs if asked
- Baby for postpartum certification
- Any Medicaid/SNAP/TANF letter if you get those benefits
- How to apply: Complete the LA WIC Interest Form, use the clinic finder to schedule, or call 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229). (louisianawic.org)
- Pump issuance: After birth, request a breastfeeding assessment. Explain work or school schedule, NICU separation, latch issues, or supply needs. (louisianawic.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Ask for a Peer Counselor and virtual support group; request a hospital referral for a hospital‑grade loan if medically indicated. (louisianawic.org)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until after delivery to ask about Medicaid pump coverage
- Assuming WIC will give a pump during pregnancy – LA WIC issues pumps after birth based on assessment
- Not asking your plan about pump type rules – manual vs electric, rental vs purchase can differ
- Forgetting to re‑certify with WIC postpartum – pump assistance requires postpartum WIC certification
- Returning to work without a plan – schedule pump breaks and identify the space with your supervisor in writing using DOL fact sheets
(ldh.la.gov, louisianawic.org, healthcare.gov, dol.gov)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
- Medicaid pump: Electric double only, one per delivery, order at 32 weeks with form and prescription. Not covered: hospital‑grade, manual, single. (ldh.la.gov)
- WIC pump: Personal electric after birth if eligible; hospital‑grade loans when medically needed; no duplication if Medicaid already provided a pump. (louisianawic.org)
- Insurance plans: Must cover breastfeeding supplies and counseling with no copay; check plan rules on timing and type. (healthcare.gov)
- Donor milk: Covered up to two months when medically necessary with prescription; ask about HMBANA milk. (legis.la.gov)
- Workplace rights: Private, non‑bathroom pumping space and break time up to one year under federal law; Louisiana adds protections in schools and state buildings. (dol.gov, legis.la.gov, legis.la.gov)
Application Checklist
- For Medicaid pump at 32 weeks:
- Prenatal appointment at or after 32 weeks
- Prescription for an electric double pump
- Breastfeeding education documentation
- Electric Breast Pump Request Form signed by you and your clinician
- Plan/DME phone number to arrange shipment
- For WIC pump postpartum:
- WIC postpartum certification appointment
- Breastfeeding assessment with staff
- Work/school schedule or NICU documentation if relevant
- No prior Medicaid pump confirmation
Three Handy Tables You’ll Use Often
Table A — Which program gets you what, and when
| Program | Pump type | When you can get it | Cost to you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid (LaMOMS/Healthy Louisiana) | Personal electric double | At 32 weeks with required docs or postpartum | $0 |
| WIC | Personal electric; hospital‑grade loan as needed | After birth, based on breastfeeding assessment | $0 |
| Employer/Marketplace plan | Pump type varies by plan | During pregnancy or after birth, per plan | $0 if in‑network |
Sources: Louisiana Medicaid IB 24‑7, LA WIC pump policy, HealthCare.gov breastfeeding benefits. (ldh.la.gov, louisianawic.org, healthcare.gov)
Table B — Who to call and why
| Need | Who | How |
|---|---|---|
| Find nearest WIC clinic or urgent help | Partners for Healthy Babies | 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229) |
| Medicaid plan help/DME supplier info | Healthy Louisiana Member Services | 1‑855‑229‑6848 (TTY 1‑855‑526‑3346) |
| Pump‑at‑work rights | U.S. Department of Labor | WHD helpline 1‑866‑4US‑WAGE and Fact Sheets #73 / #73A |
| Milk bank info | HMBANA | See Louisiana bank listing and donor info |
Sources: LDH, DOL, HMBANA. (ldh.la.gov, dol.gov, hmbana.org)
Table C — Income limits at a glance
See the two earlier tables for the full numbers, pulled from USDA (WIC) and LDH (LaMOMS). (fns.usda.gov, ldh.la.gov)
Real‑World Examples
- Medicaid at 32 weeks: Maya, enrolled in LaMOMS, asked her OB at 32 weeks for the Electric Breast Pump Request Form. The OB’s nurse attached proof of a breastfeeding class and sent the script to an in‑network DME. The pump shipped within the week. Maya didn’t pay anything. (ldh.la.gov)
- WIC postpartum: Keisha’s baby was late‑preterm and sleepy at the breast. WIC loaned her a hospital‑grade pump right after discharge and later issued a personal electric pump when her supply stabilized. (louisianawic.org)
- Employer plan: Dani’s plan covered a rental before birth but wouldn’t cover a personal electric until postpartum. She still got lactation visits at no cost and used the plan’s DME vendor to switch to a personal electric pump after delivery. (healthcare.gov)
Diverse Communities
- LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your plan and WIC to list your support person or donor as your preferred contact. All breastfeeding, donor milk, and pump rules apply regardless of marital status or family structure. Use WIC Peer Counselors and Pacify for inclusive support. (louisianawic.org)
- Single mothers with disabilities or with a disabled child: If pumping at work is physically difficult, request reasonable accommodations under federal and state laws, such as a closer pumping space, a chair, or extra time. If your child has special medical needs, ask your clinician about donor milk coverage for up to two months and EarlySteps referral. (legis.la.gov)
- Veteran single mothers: You have the same workplace rights under federal law. If you receive care through VA, ask about lactation support and pump coverage, then coordinate with WIC for extra help. Federal pump‑at‑work rights still apply in civilian jobs. (dol.gov)
- Immigrant and refugee single mothers: WIC eligibility is not affected by immigration status for the child, and WIC offers language access. For Medicaid, immigration rules apply; call 1‑888‑342‑6207 for screening, and use 211 for local legal aid if needed. (ldh.la.gov, louisiana211.org)
- Tribal citizens: Use Healthy Louisiana and WIC; ask clinics about Indian Health Service partners and culturally appropriate lactation support. Federal pump protections apply. (dol.gov)
- Rural single mothers: If shipping is an issue, ask your plan to use a DME that ships statewide and ask WIC for a temporary hospital‑grade loan until the shipment arrives. Partners for Healthy Babies can locate the closest clinic. 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229). (1800251baby.org)
- Single fathers: If you’re caring for a breastfed baby and need storage bags or guidance transporting milk from a co‑parent or donor, WIC and your pediatrician can advise. If traveling with milk, TSA allows quantities over 3.4 ounces in carry‑on. (tsa.gov)
- Language access: WIC and 211 provide multilingual support. You can ask for an interpreter at clinics and on helplines. (louisiana211.org)
Travel and Daily Logistics
- TSA rules: Breast milk, formula, and ice packs can exceed the 3.4‑ounce limit in carry‑on bags. You do not have to travel with your child to bring milk. Tell officers at the start of screening. (tsa.gov)
- Storage and workday tips: Keep milk in a cooler with ice packs if no fridge is available; employers must allow you to bring a cooler and pump. (dol.gov)
Regional and Community Resources
- Partners for Healthy Babies: Statewide 24/7 help line 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229), connecting you to WIC, clinics, and pregnancy resources. (1800251baby.org)
- Louisiana WIC: Breastfeeding resources, pump policies, clinic finder, Peer Counselors, Pacify. (louisianawic.org)
- Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition: Nonprofit promoting breastfeeding‑friendly workplaces and local support. (louisianabreastfeeding.org)
- La Leche League groups: Volunteer support groups around the state. Find a nearby group via the ALMA LLL site. (lllalmsla.org)
FAQs for Louisiana
- Which free pump does Louisiana Medicaid cover: Personal‑use electric double pump, once per delivery, generally every three years. Not covered by Medicaid are hospital‑grade, manual, or single pumps. (ldh.la.gov, lamedicaid.com)
- Can I get a pump before baby arrives: Yes through Medicaid at 32 weeks with the Electric Breast Pump Request Form, prescription, and proof of breastfeeding education. Some private plans also allow pre‑birth orders. (ldh.la.gov, healthcare.gov)
- Does WIC give pumps during pregnancy: No. WIC issues pumps after birth based on a breastfeeding assessment and needs, with hospital‑grade loans when medically needed. (louisianawic.org)
- What if I’m returning to work within a few weeks: Ask WIC for a pump at your postpartum visit and start talking to your employer now. You are entitled to pump breaks and a private space under federal law. (louisianawic.org, dol.gov)
- How long does it take to get a Medicaid pump: Once the paperwork is complete, DME shipping typically takes a few business days depending on stock. Ask your plan or DME for tracking. (ldh.la.gov)
- Can I use donor milk: If medically necessary and prescribed, plans must cover pasteurized donor human milk up to two months. Ask your clinician to prescribe and direct you to a HMBANA‑member source. (legis.la.gov)
- Do students have pumping rights at school: Yes. Louisiana public high schools must provide a private space, time to pump, power access, and safe milk storage for lactating students, with no academic penalty. (legis.la.gov)
- Can I breastfeed in public without being asked to leave: Yes. Louisiana law protects breastfeeding in public and private places where you are otherwise allowed to be, and bans discrimination. (legis.la.gov)
- What if my employer says there’s no space: Show DOL Fact Sheets #73 and #73A. A bathroom doesn’t qualify. You can file a complaint with DOL if needed. (dol.gov)
- What if I’m traveling with pumped milk: TSA allows larger quantities of breast milk and cooling accessories in carry‑on. Inform the officer at screening. (tsa.gov)
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
This guide uses official sources from Louisiana Department of Human Services, USDA, HUD, and established nonprofits.
This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.
Key sources used include Louisiana WIC program pages on pumps, peer counseling, and clinic finder, Louisiana Medicaid LaMOMS and monthly income limits, Medicaid breast pump coverage bulletins, breastfeeding rights statutes, DOL pump‑at‑work fact sheets, HealthCare.gov breastfeeding benefits and Special Enrollment rules, and USDA WIC income guidelines. (louisianawic.org, ldh.la.gov, legis.la.gov, legis.la.gov, dol.gov, healthcare.gov, fns.usda.gov)
Disclaimer
Information accuracy: We link to official Louisiana and federal sources throughout this guide and cite the most recent figures available as of September 2025. Program rules, dollar amounts, and timelines can change at any time. Always verify details with the relevant agency or your health plan before you apply or purchase.
Health and legal guidance: This guide is not medical, tax, or legal advice. For health questions, talk to your clinician or lactation professional. For workplace issues, contact DOL or an employment attorney.
Site safety: To keep our website secure, do not email personal ID numbers or medical records. Use agency portals or phone numbers listed above for sensitive information.
Source Notes and Links
- Partners for Healthy Babies 24/7 helpline: connects Louisiana moms to services, including WIC. (1800251baby.org)
- Louisiana WIC free pumps and support: pump policy, eligibility, peer counselors, virtual groups, Pacify. (louisianawic.org)
- WIC clinic finder and contact: find nearest clinic or call 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229). (louisianawic.org)
- LaMOMS coverage and contact: pregnancy Medicaid, up to 12 months postpartum. (ldh.la.gov)
- Monthly income limits by program (2025): LDH table including LaMOMS. (ldh.la.gov)
- Medicaid pump coverage: IB 24‑7 and 2018 Medicaid RA messages on coverage and equipment requirements. (ldh.la.gov, lamedicaid.com)
- HealthCare.gov breastfeeding benefits: no‑cost coverage for supplies and counseling. (healthcare.gov)
- USDA WIC income guidelines 2025‑2026: monthly limits for the 48 states. (fns.usda.gov)
- PUMP Act and DOL guidance: worker rights and employer space requirements. (dol.gov)
- Louisiana breastfeeding rights: public breastfeeding, student accommodations, school employees, and state building lactation rooms. (legis.la.gov, legis.la.gov)
- Donor human milk coverage: Louisiana RS 22:1059.3; HMBANA Louisiana bank listing. (legis.la.gov, hmbana.org)
- Sales tax exemption: breastfeeding items exempt from Louisiana state sales and use tax. (legis.la.gov)
- Special Enrollment after birth: Marketplace 60‑day SEP rules. (healthcare.gov)
- IRS medical expense rules: Publication 502, eligible expenses include breast pumps. (irs.gov)
- TSA travel with breast milk: carry‑on allowance over 3.4 ounces. (tsa.gov)
Final Reality Check
Pumps are covered, but timing and paperwork matter. Medicaid requires specific forms and documentation at or after 32 weeks. WIC can bridge the gap after birth. Employers must provide pump time and space, yet you may still need to educate HR with official fact sheets. Keep numbers and documents handy, follow up weekly, and use the hotlines listed above for faster results.
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- 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
- 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
