Lactation Information: Suggested Guidelines
for Establishing Lactation Areas

A myriad of structures and buildings comprise the physical configuration of the University of Arizona campus. Sites may include everything from classrooms and laboratories; to research, office and agricultural settings; to dedicated areas for students, employees and visitors.

Within this range of settings, attention should be given to space availability, close access to hand washing facilities, health and hygiene practices, security/privacy issues, operations and maintenance, usage and work/life education and supportive assistance. Click here to review strategies that can complement the information shared below.

It is possible to modify environments to successfully meet the needs of nursing mothers on campus by considering the following:

1. Identify physical spaces that can be easily adapted. Suggestions include a "lounge" area, private office or conference room that can be utilized for this specific purpose, with access to hand washing facilities nearby.
2. Protect privacy by enabling the user to lock the door, use a screen or other physical barrier in shared spaces and post a "Do Not Disturb-Room in Use" sign. Educate others about the importance of respecting this private time.
3. Room or area setup should include a comfortable chair or sofa, a footrest, a place for coats and jackets, adequate lighting and cooling/heating, an electric outlet and a table to place the breast pump and other items upon.
4. Additional and welcome touches include a bulletin board to display pictures of babies and to post campus resources; a journal and pen for mothers to record their experiences and support and a secured, cassette player to allow mothers to listen quietly to children's music tapes brought from home.
5. Consistent utilization from nursing mothers may necessitate the need for a lactation schedule. It is ideal if a designated person can assume responsibility for keys, room reservations and campus notification when facility maintenance is needed.

Key to successful lactation initiatives is work/life information and research in support of healthy and productive babies, parents and organizations. Please call (520) 621-4365 or 621-9870 (MST) or click here for more resources.