Parenting: Lactation Resources -
Lactation Room Setup Guide
If you are interested in setting up a personal care/lactation room, contact your human resources manager or your building facilities manager. You may also contact the Work/Life Resource Center for additional support (worklife@umich.edu or call 734-936-8677). Fortunately, modifying facilities to accommodate nursing mothers is a fairly simple and inexpensive thing to do.
Here are some things to consider:
- Secure support of top administrator(s) in your unit. Sometimes it may be necessary to have a committee of people who support this idea to bring it to their attention. Do your homework! Check out web resources.
- Ideal personal care/lactation space recommendations:
- Located in a space that is NOT in a restroom
- Has access to a sink for cleaning equipment
- Access to an electric outlet
- Washable, comfortable chair
- Small table next to chair with desk lamp
- Non-carpeted floor that can easily be cleaned
- Signage identifying the space for personal care or lactating mothers
- Locked or secure area, possibly with an “occupied” sign available
- Temperature controlled room, that is warm and comfortable
- If applicable, post a room usage schedule and/or access information
- Consider providing a commercial pump if this is desired by lactating moms
- Consider a bulletin board for pictures of the babies as a nice touch
- Consider a log for people to share their experiences and offer support
Furniture ideas:
For used furniture, consider U-M Property Disposition. This is a good source for small tables at a low cost. Furniture can be re-covered by the U-M Upholstery Shop with washable fabric.
http://www.finance.umich.edu/analysis/property-disposition
For new furniture purchases, contact U-M Procurement for approved 'strategic suppliers'.
http://www.finance.umich.edu/procurement/howtobuy/universitycontracts?s=furniture&cat=&status=
Contact WLRC if you have additional questions, 734-936-8677.