University Human Resources
Lactation Resources
Lactation (Privacy) Room Locations
The following campus-based (red) or hospital (green) locations are accessible to Brown faculty, staff, students or visitors during Brown University business hours or as otherwise indicated. Nursing mothers must provide their own pump, adapter, and accessories as well as a small cooler or insulated bag.
To determine the distance of the nearest Lactation (Privacy) room: click the full-page view, click on the drop down menu or icon on the map, then click on directions and type in your location.
For the Lactating Parent
Proactive planning can help you prepare for your breastfeeding journey before, during and after leave.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health provides a variety of detailed information on breastfeeding such as making the decision to breastfeed, breastfeeding challenges, and breastfeeding considerations at home, at work, and in public.
- Contact your health insurance provider to inquire about obtaining a breast pump and/or lactation consultant services. If you are covered under a Brown University health insurance plan please contact:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield: 855-704-5366
- UnitedHealthcare: 800-864-9427
- Plan for sufficient leave time, particularly after the baby arrives, to allow you more time to initiate breastfeeding.
Leaves of Absence
- Speak with your supervisor about expectations for when you return to work. If applicable, consider flexible scheduling options.
- Identify a lactation space, such as a designated lactation room on campus or private office, where you will be able to pump breast milk during the workday. Be sure to contact the designated room coordinator to discuss scheduling best practices.
- Create your lactation plan for your return to work. This optional template may help you devise your plan.
- If using an alternate space, print out this privacy sign to hang on the door.
- Seek out other breastfeeding parents, perhaps co-workers or a local support group, to share experiences and tips that may be helpful as you work to maintain your breastfeeding goals.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your lactation space that cannot be resolved by your space coordinator or you are having trouble securing an adequate space, contact worklife@brown.edu.
For Supervisors
Supervisors may assist employees by familiarizing themselves with resources, communicating support, and remaining compliant with Brown policies.
- Allow for time during the work day for breastfeeding/pumping.
- Work with the nursing parent to identify an appropriate place to pump breast milk. This can be a room specifically designated for this purpose. Please see Brown’s lactation room locations, or if seeking an alternate space for lactation, please visit the Responsibilities section of Nursing Parents in the Workplace policy for private space requirements.
- Be sensitive to the fact that:
- Not all parents know whether they will breastfeed before their baby arrives.
- Parents choose to breastfeed for a variety of reasons.
- Not all parents will feel comfortable discussing their breastfeeding choices.
- It is important to be sensitive to the privacy of the new parent’s choices.
- Keeping privacy in mind, educate other employees about special arrangements for breastfeeding co-workers to avoid possible misunderstandings. Both supervisors and co-workers can help to create a supportive work climate.
For Coworkers
Coworker support is an important part of a smooth transition for a breastfeeding parent. As a coworker of a breastfeeding parent, there are a variety of ways that you can be supportive.
Be supportive and flexible:
- Be respectful of colleague’s lactation times. Offer flexibility in scheduling meetings, breaks, and coverage of job responsibilities.
- Be sensitive to the choices and privacy preferences of the new parent.
- Familiarize yourself with Brown’s Nursing Parents in the Workplace policy.