HR20 Breastfeeding Support

POLICY'S INITIAL DATE: August 23, 2010
THIS VERSION EFFECTIVE: October 30, 2023

Content

• Purpose
• Breastfeeding/Expressing Breast Milk
• Facilities
• Lactation Cosultant Services 

PURPOSE:

Penn State is committed to supporting those employees who choose to breastfeed and supports a work envrionment conducive to the continuation of breastfeeding following thebirth of a child/children. 

BREASTFEEDING/EXPRESSING BREAST MILK:

Breastfeeding employees will be allowed a reasonable amount of break time to breastfeed and/or express milk during work hours which, if possible, shall run concurrently with normal break and meal periods. Time allowed in excess of the normal break and meal periods will be covered by flexing their time, which must be communicated to their supervisor in advance. The supervisor is responsible for creating a supportive envrionment for the breastfeeding employee. 

FACILITIES:

An employee may breastfeed her child in any place, public or private, where the employee and child are otherwise authorized to be present. If the employee desires a private space to express milk, then a private, secure, and sanitary area, other than a restroom, will be made available. The space will be in reasonable proximity to the work area and at a minimum be equipped with a table, chair, and electrical outlet.

Penn State also provides designated lactation stations at all campuses. Prior to using these facilities, the employee must enroll and schedule through the Breastfeeding Support Coordinator by emailing breastfeeding@psu.edu at least two weeks in advance. Additional lactation stations may be established by colleges, campuses, and administrative areas by contacting the Breastfeeding Support Program. 

LACTATION CONSULTANT SERVICES:

Penn State offers the services of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to provide non-emergency support to employees who are breastfeeding and/or expressing milk. This support may be via email, phone, virtual, or in-person visits. For more information to to schedule an appointment, email breastfeeding@psu.edu. 

CROSS REFERENCES: 

Breastfeeding Support Program