Breastfeeding on the World Stage: What the Olympics Reveal About Family Spaces & Lactation Support

As the world turns its attention to the Olympic Games, we are always amazed by the women who take the time away from their families to train and compete, while still being a mom. 

Recently, there has been online conversation about family-friendly spaces and dedicated lactation areas at major sporting venues. Paris was praised for introducing more intentional family spaces during the Games. At the same time, articles and commentary have suggested that the 2026 Winter Olympics may not have essentials for athletes like dedicated lactation spaces. 

So that spurred a question from all of us here at Wisco Lactation: 

What protections and accommodations exist for breastfeeding families—both here in the U.S. & Wisconsin? And where do we still have work to do?

Breastfeeding Laws in the United States

Here in the U.S., there are important legal protections for breastfeeding families:

1. The Right to Breastfeed in Public

All 50 states, including Wisconsin, allow mothers to breastfeed in any public or private location where they are otherwise authorized to be. You do not have to use a cover. You do not have to move to a restroom.

This is foundational—but enforcement and awareness still vary.

2. Workplace Protections

Under the federal PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (an expansion of earlier provisions), most employees are entitled to:

· Reasonable break time to pump

· A private space (that is not a bathroom)

· Protection for up to one year postpartum

This was a significant advancement—but compliance and employer education remain inconsistent.

3. Travel Protections

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows breast milk to be transported in carry-on luggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces, even if traveling without your baby. Ice packs and gel packs are also permitted.

These policies help—but navigating them while sleep-deprived and postpartum can still feel overwhelming.

Stay tuned for a blog post with more information on traveling with baby. 

Why This Matters for Wisconsin Families

At Wisco Lactation, we see firsthand how community support impacts feeding success.

Breastfeeding is biological—but sustained breastfeeding is social.

A mother’s ability to continue feeding her baby often depends less on her milk supply and more on:

· Workplace flexibility

· Access to skilled support (we can help!)

· Cultural acceptance

· Family-friendly public infrastructure (see: MKE airport & Milwaukee Zoo Mamava Pods)

When breastfeeding is accommodated on the world stage, it normalizes motherhood in every arena—down to the local level.

Where We Still Need Improvement

Even with these protections, gaps remain:

· Not all public venues proactively provide lactation rooms.

· Signage and accessibility are often poor.

· Some workplaces still lack adequate compliance.

· Many families—especially low-income mothers—face barriers to extended breastfeeding due to short parental leave policies.

If global host cities can prioritize inclusive infrastructure for a two-week event, what might it look like if every stadium, airport, convention center, and workplace adopted similar standards year-round?

Connecting the Dots: From the Olympics to Our Communities

Supporting breastfeeding families is a “together” issue.

· Legislators create protections.

· Employers implement them.

· Public venues normalize them.

· Healthcare providers support families through them.

As we look toward future Games and evolving policies, this is an opportunity to ask:

· Are our local venues equipped with adequate lactation spaces?

· Do Wisconsin employers understand PUMP Act requirements?

· Are we advocating for better parental leave policies?

· Are we educating families about their rights?

Because whether you're watching the Olympics from the stands, traveling across the country, or returning to work six weeks postpartum—the ability to feed your baby should be easy.

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