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SETTING UP A "LACTATION ROOM" |
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not required by law, many employers designate "a
Lactation Room" specifically for mothers who
express milk at work. At a minimum, a lactation
room should include a table, chair and an electrical
outlet. Beyond that, there are many other items
to consider including: |
- Electric Breast
Pumps can be rented or purchased.
A quality electric breast
pump is generally more effective for expressing
breast milk and maintaining a mother's milk
supply than a manual pump. Mothers who maintain
their milk supply tend to breastfeed longer
than mothers who begin supplementing their baby's
diet with formula. Employees can share an electric
breast pump by staggering their break schedules.
If you have more than 200 employees, consider
purchasing more than one. A quality electric
breast pump will last for years and is an excellent
investment.
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- Double pump kits
compatible with the electric breast pump for
breastfeeding employees.
A double versus a single
pump kit attaches to the electric pump, and
allows mothers to express milk from both breasts
at the same time. This is advantageous as it
shortens the amount of break time needed for
expressing milk. Pump kits are intended for
one user, and are not shared, or returned.
- A small refrigerator
for employees to store their breast milk separate
from the employee refrigerator.
Just like cows'
milk, breast milk must be kept refrigerated
to prevent spoiling. Employees may be more comfortable
storing their breast milk separate from the
employee refrigerator.
- A sink (if an existing
sink is not close to the employees work area)
for washing bottles and pumping equipment.
- Pleasant décor
for the room, a bulletin board for employees
to display pictures of their babies, and a CD
or tape player for relaxing music.
A relaxing environment
facilitates "let down" which is necessary
for milk flow.
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- A Foot Stool
This can provide additional
comfort, particularly for women of short stature.
- A stand to place
a book or papers so the employee can read hands-free.
Both hands are
usually required for pumping, but many women
get bored pumping and prefer to read while waiting.
Depending on the employee's job, she may be
able to spend a portion of the pumping time
working.
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- Breastfeeding books,
or articles.
Mothers will appreciate
this display of support from her employer.
- A roll of masking
tape and a permanent pen so
mothers can label their breastmilk with their
name, date and time immediately after pumping.
- Decorative curtains
or other type of partition for privacy
if more than one employee
will be using the room at the same time.
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