Support New Moms in the Office with a Functional and Private Lactation Room 

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Welcome back, mama!  

The return to work after childbirth presents a unique set of challenges for new mothers. Balancing professional demands with the needs of their newborn, particularly when it comes to breastfeeding, can be a major concern. Thankfully, recent legal advancements and thoughtful workplace design can bridge this gap. 

The PUMP Act: A Step Forward for Breastfeeding Mothers 

The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act), signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022, stands as a cornerstone for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. This legislation builds upon the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), ensuring nearly all working mothers, regardless of company size or salary structure, have access to reasonable break time for pumping and a private, non-bathroom space for up to one year after childbirth. It also clarifies that pumping time for non-exempt employees counts as paid work time.  

Transforming Underutilized Areas for Lactation Needs with Room Dividers
Creating a lactation room doesn’t require a hefty budget or extensive renovations. Look around your workplace with a resourceful eye. A seldom-accessed first-aid room or an unoccupied, private office be repurposed into a comfortable haven for nursing mothers.  

For larger rooms that can accommodate multiple pumping stations, consider installing modular room dividers. The Standard Room Divider offers a smart solution. It’s a lightweight, accordion-style portable room divider designed with a strong steels frame, sound-absorbing core, and smooth-rolling casters to move your portable partition into position, making for a room pod. Plus, the Standard Room Divider comes with an optional swing door feature. 

Additional Design Elements for a Mothers’ Room 

While the PUMP Act doesn’t dictate specific design elements, its emphasis lies on functionality — ensuring a space that allows for comfortable, private, and hygienic milk expression. 

Privacy is Paramount: 

• Visual Privacy: Doors (lockable if possible) with “occupied” signage prevent accidental interruptions. Opaque walls and frosted glass windows or windows with blinds or curtains ensure discretion, too. 

• Sound Privacy: Acoustic panels, curtains, and carpeting minimize noise from the breast pump and surrounding work environment. Add a white noise machine, too — the constant, calming hum of white noise can help mask distracting sounds from the office and the breast pump, which can be a source of self-consciousness for some mothers. A serene atmosphere allows mothers to relax and focus on pumping, potentially leading to a more successful session.
   

Creating a Calming Environment: 

• Adjustable Lighting: Implement adjustable, non-glaring lighting to create a calming atmosphere. 

• Comfortable Seating: A comfortable chair with back support and pillows facilitates a relaxed pumping experience.
   

Functionality Matters: 

• Dedicated Surface: A flat, stable countertop or table is essential for the breast pump and supplies. 

• Power Up: Ample electrical outlets are necessary for electric breast pumps. An outlet also offers mothers the ability to charge their phones while pumping. 

• Milk Storage: Typically mothers need to express their breast milk two to three times within an eight-hour day. A refrigerator allows for safe storage of expressed milk. 

• Hygiene Essentials: A sink with running water (or proximity to a restroom) enables proper cleaning of pump parts. Hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes are also good to have on-hand to wipe down surfaces after use. 
   

Thoughtful Touches: 

• Accessories: Trash can, coat rack, paper towels, and wall art create a welcoming space. 

• Scheduling Solutions: A clipboard or bulletin board outside the door helps coordinate room usage, especially in high-demand environments. 

Investing in Moms, Investing in Success 

By meeting legal requirements and incorporating thoughtful design elements, companies can create a lactation room that shows their commitment to supporting working mothers — ultimately fostering a positive work-life balance and a thriving company culture. Start investing in working moms and lactation rooms by reaching out to our experts — they’ll help answer any questions, offer free design consultations, and help you find the right privacy partition for your needs.