Lactation in the Workplace Resources
The University of Kentucky has Breastfeeding and Lactation Support Guidelines in place to encourage and support mothers in the workplace. Both babies and mothers derive many benefits from breastfeeding, such as fewer illnesses, fewer infections, and lower health care costs. Moreover, employees who breastfeed are happier and more engaged in the workplace. UK Work-Life is committed to assisting mothers in finding an easily accessible, secure space to express milk at work. E-mail or call us at 257-8763 or 257-1003 for individual consultations.
The basic needs of breastfeeding employees are minimal:
- Privacy for milk expression - A private office (with lock) or an on-site, designated room with an electrical outlet.
- Flexible breaks and work options - Women need to express milk every three hours to maintain milk production, needing 2-3 breaks during an 8-hour work day. On average, each milk expression can take approximately 15 – 20 minutes but will vary from mother to mother, depending upon a number of factors such as physical health, emotional and physical stress, milk production, prior experience with lactation, and equipment.
- Education - Information and resources to support the mother (and father) in balancing the requirements for breastfeeding with their job responsibilities.
- Support - A positive, accepting attitude from upper management, supervisors and coworkers helps breastfeeding employees feel confident in their ability to continue working while breastfeeding.
Finding a Space
Now that you've returned to work, it is important to find a private space to express milk. UK is in the process of developing designated lactation spaces for employees around campus. Download our Lactation Room Sign in Sheet here (pdf).
Currently, four designated lactation spaces exist:
UK Good Samaritan Hospital, Room B103A
This designated space is located across from the Human Resources Main Office, 1st Floor. For more information about the use of the room, contact HR at 226-7001.
Kentucky Clinic, Rm(K005)
This designated space is in the basement of the Kentucky Clinic. For information, contact the Kentucky Clinic Information Desk at 257-9805 or Robynn Pease at 257-1003 or robynn.pease@uky.edu.
Moms Express, Chandler Hospital, Room N301G
This room is easily accessible by taking Elevator C to the third floor; the key to the room is available at the nursing station down the hall. For more information about this space, contact Melanie Justice at 859-257-8763 or melaniefjustice@uky.edu.
Patterson Office Tower
Contact Abbie Loynachan at 859-257-7296 or abbie.loynachan@uky.edu for information about the space in POT. To request the use of the room, email lactationstation@uky.edu.
If you are not close to a designated space, consider other possibilities:
- an office (your own or a borrowed one)
- a conference room (schedule yourself at regular times)
For help locating space, please contact:
- Melanie Justice, UK Work-Life, at 859-257-8763 or melaniefjustice@uky.edu
- Carrie Davidson, Health & Wellness, at carrie.davidson@uky.edu
New UK Lactation Guidelines
Recognizing the importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and their infants, and of promoting a family-friendly work and study environment, the University provides breastfeeding and lactation guidelines. Read more.
Lactation Resources and Links
Where to find breastfeeding help and support.
UK Employee Success Stories
UK employees offer suggestions on how to continue breastfeeding after you return to work. Learn more.
We are looking for success stories and tips from mothers who have successfully managed breastfeeding while working at UK. If you have advice or information you would like to share, please e-mail your information to Melanie Justice in the Work-Life office.
(Updated 05/03/12 - E-mail Melanie Justice - melaniefjustice@uky.edu)
Need Help Finding Lactation Space?
Contact UK Work-Life:
- Call 859-257-8763 or email melaniefjustice@uky.edu
Download a "Privacy Please" Doorhanger for your space or office here (pdf) or email melaniefjustice@uky.edu to request a copy.
