Lactation Policy

The purpose of the Lactation policy is to provide employees and students who are breastfeeding a private place and reasonable break time to express breast milk for their nursing child. This policy is in accordance with relevant laws and regulations regarding breastfeeding in the workplace. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), employers are required to provide a reasonable amount of break time and private space to express milk as frequently as needed.

Lactation Procedures

These procedures accompany the University’s Lactation Policy and are intended to establish standards, resources and contact information specific to UConn Storrs and Regional Campuses.

What is provided in a Lactation Room?
From the UConn Lactation Policy: A space on the University of Connecticut campus that is either dedicated or temporarily established to accommodate the needs of those who are breastfeeding. The room must be a clean, private (the ability to be shielded from view and free from intrusion), comfortable space with electrical outlet, chair, table for breast pump, and nearby access to clean running water.

Do lactation rooms have a refrigerator where I can store my milk?
A few lactation rooms across campus have a small refrigerator to store breast milk. You may also store your milk in a departmental refrigerator in a clearly marked bag.

The CDC provides information on proper storage of breast milk at https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm

What is the break-time allowed for nursing mothers?
The "Break Time for Nursing Mothers" law recognizes that the amount of time it takes to express breast milk varies from individual to individual. While it is typical for a woman to need at least 20 minutes to pump, a pumping break also requires time to get to the room, set up, care for the expressed milk, clean up and return to the workplace.

How often can a nursing mother pump?
If baby is less than six months old upon mom’s return to work, mom may need to express milk approximately every three hours when separated. For example, for an 8-hour shift a mom will be separated from her baby for about 10 hours (work, lunch break, commute). Over the 10-hour period, she may need to express milk approximately three times.

Supervisors/faculty and employees/students and student workers should work together to establish reasonable, flexible and mutually agreeable upon times each day that do not unduly disrupt normal business activities, instruction/class times and/or clinical services. Any employee, student or student worker responsible for being in a classroom at a given time is expected to schedule lactation breaks around scheduled class time.

How should I speak with my supervisor about lactation breaks?
Inform your supervisor/manager, prior to your return to work, that you will need time and a space to pump breast milk when you return to work. Explain that you are going to continue breastfeeding and that you need flexible breaks and privacy in order to express milk while at work. Refer your supervisor/manager to the Lactation resources on the HR Website.

Additional tips for talking to your supervisor/manager:

• Make the case. Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for you and your baby. Infographic
• Explain that you won't take breaks that are longer than necessary.
• Be prepared! Consider possible concerns your supervisor might have.
• Be a team member. Be sensitive to the issues that are important to your department and show how supporting your efforts to breastfeed can help both of you accomplish your goals.
• Be sure to show your appreciation for your supervisor's support of your breastfeeding.

Where are the lactation rooms located?
Lactation rooms on all our campuses are described in the accordions below, by campus location.

Who can use the lactation rooms?
Any member of the UCONN community -students, faculty, staff and visitors can use the Lactation Rooms.

Is there a lactation room in every building?
UCONN has identified spaces for dedicated lactation use but finding sufficient appropriate space on a permanently assigned basis can be a challenge. It is an ongoing goal to continue to expand the number of dedicated lactation spaces, and to incorporate rooms into new buildings on campus. In the meantime, human resources will work with departments to find appropriate temporary space for any employee, student or guest who requires it.

How do I reserve a room? Who do I contact if the room is not clean or has other issues?
Please check the list of locations for specific contact information on access, hours of availability, how to reserve the room, and who to contact if there are issues. You may also contact the Organizational and Staff Development in Human Resources at 860-486-3034 or worklife@uconn.edu.

What if a lactation room is not close to my classroom or work location?
If there is not a room within a 5-minute walk that is available for your use, discuss closer options with your supervisor/department and/or call Organizational and Staff Development in Human Resources at 860-486-3034 or worklife@uconn.edu for assistance in locating an appropriate space.

Can I pump in a “public” area, like my desk in my cubicle?
The answer to your question is dependent on both the nursing mother and her coworkers. Some nursing mothers and her coworkers have found this arrangement to be an acceptable and efficient way to complete work and take care of pumping. Mothers can create privacy with curtains, small pop-up tents or by using privacy covers. This is sometimes a good alternative when no other alternative space is available.

Can I use my private office to pump?
Yes. There are “please do not disturb” door hangers to download and print for use on your office door. These downloadable door hangers are located below under “Additional Breastfeeding Resources” for your use if desired.

My supervisor will not give me time to pump. What should I do?
Employees have the legal right to reasonable breaks to express breast milk as well as a private, convenient and secure place to do so. Supervisors cannot deny employees reasonable breaks to pump. Refer your supervisor to the Lactation Policy/Procedure for additional information. Please also contact Organizational and Staff Development in Human Resources at 860-486-3034 or worklife@uconn.edu to discuss the situation and some options for addressing the matter.

Why should I support a nursing mother?
Support for nursing mothers has shown to result in improved productivity, a boost in employee morale and increased loyalty to employers. By providing a dedicated lactation space and lactation support, the University can more successfully recruit and retain valuable faculty, staff and students. We also have a legal obligation to provide mothers with a private, non-bathroom space as specified in the Affordable Care Act and State law.

What am I required to do?
In addition to providing a private, non-bathroom space, employers are also required to provide release time for the mother in order to express breast milk. The University encourages the use of paid time off, and being flexible with schedules. See the Lactation Policy Procedures for additional information.

What if I have visitors at my site that need a place to pump breast milk?
If there is not a dedicated lactation space in your building, consider another one that may be nearby, or identify a temporary space using someone’s office or other non-restroom space.

What is my responsibility to maintain the designated lactation room in my building?
The lactation room should be included in the daily/weekly maintenance and cleaning schedule. It is also helpful to have someone periodically check out the room to see if all appears to be in order. Many departments stock the room with cleaning supplies such as paper towels and wipes to help keep the area clean.

How long does it take for a mother to pump breast milk? How many times a day should I expect her to be away from the worksite?
The amount of time needed will vary according to the individual needs of each mother, the type of equipment that is used, and the stage at which the mom is breastfeeding (e.g. a young infant versus a child who is 6-12 months old). The more relaxed and secure the environment, the better chance the mother will have for the pumping experience to be efficient. An estimated amount of time away from the work site is 30-40 minutes, which generally includes travel time, time to pump (20-30 minutes), and time to clean up afterward.

Can the Lactation room also be used by someone who is not a lactating mother?
Yes, departments can identify the lactation space as a “Lactation/Wellness” room allowing it to be multi-purpose. This allows others, who may have religious, medical or special needs for a private, non-bathroom space, to have a place to go. If the space is not dedicated to the nursing mothers’ use, a space must be available for a nursing mother when needed to meet the statutory requirement. Departments have to monitor this closely to be sure the room is not being used as a personal “lounge,” making the room unavailable for moms who need to pump breast milk regularly.

Lactation Room Locations

UConn Health is committed to promoting a positive work life integration for its employees. As part of these efforts, we are pleased to provide lactation resources to ensure that the needs of breastfeeding women are met. Lactation rooms are available for employees, students and visitors who wish to express milk.

Lactation Resources

Resources

Breastfeeding Class

A class offered on breastfeeding for expectant parents led by a certified lactation consultant and UConn Health.

Federal and State Regulations

Federal: Break Time for Nursing Mothers under the FLSA
Connecticut: Public Act No. 21-27 - An Act Concerning Breastfeeding in the Workplace
In addition to these resources, the Affordable Care Act requires health insurance to provide coverage for breast pumps. Please contact your health insurance provider for more specific information about what is covered.

Do Not Disturb Room Signs

• Door Tag 1 - with Babies
• Door Tag 2 - Do Not Disturb
• 8.5X11 Door Sign 1 - with Babies
• 8.5X11 Door Sign 2 - Do Not Disturb

Supporting Nursing Moms at Work

Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition
The CBC is dedicated to improving Connecticut’s health by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.

CT Department of Public Health - DPH Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding, the key to good health of mothers and babies, also has benefits for families, employers, and the community in general. For these reasons, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the Connecticut WIC Program and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend feeding your baby only breast milk until age 6 months, and breast milk plus solid food from 6-12 months and beyond.

CDC Breastfeeding Information and Guides
CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) is committed to increasing breastfeeding rates throughout the United States and to promoting and supporting optimal breastfeeding practices toward the ultimate goal of improving the public's health.

la leche league international
Our Mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.

healthychildren.org
Expressing Breastmilk on the Job. Readjusting to your previous work routine can be challenging enough without factoring in a breastfeeding schedule. Fortunately, you have taken the time to prepare your baby, your caregiver, your co-workers, and yourself for this new situation, so you are making the transition in the best possible way.