Mothers At Work

Articles

The Mother's Room

Optional Features

Note—Speak to your human resources representative about your organization’s specific policies and components of the Mothers at Work program to determine what optional features (if any) are appropriate for your organization’s mother’s room. While some of the features described here may be useful to some organizations; they may not be necessary, or appropriate, for all organizations.

Refrigerator. Expressed milk must be stored in a refrigerator or cooler. If your organization does not have a refrigerator for the room (or nearby) employees can bring coolers for storage.
Electric pumps. Some employers purchase or rent an electric hospital grade pump for employees’ use; others have employees bring their own portable pumps. If your organization provides a pump, set it up on a table or desk in the room near an electrical outlet—and near a chair.
Reading materials. Educational materials, magazines and/or a lending library may help women relax in the mother's room.
Footstool. A footstool can help an employee properly position a baby when breastfeeding, and may help her relax when pumping.
Bulletin board. Speak to your human resources representative about possibly putting a bulletin board in the mother’s room to post workplace events, important announcements, and mother’s room instructions. Some employees may also enjoy posting a photo of their baby to make it more personal.
Work Supplies. Speak to your human resource representative about your company’s policy regarding scheduled breaks—and working in the mothers room. This should be addressed on an individual basis according to your organization’s policies. While most women need to relax in order to effectively breastfeed or pump; some employees (depending on their job) may feel comfortable working while in the mother’s room and may request work supplies (phone, pencils, paper, computer, etc.).

This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.