Did you know that MIT has 15 (and counting) lactation rooms that provide a private space designed to accommodate the special needs of employees who choose to pump their breast milk? The MIT Work-Life Center announces the addition of a new lactation room to the campus, located at 3-369.
Sucharita Berger Ghosh, administrative officer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, which houses the new room, has graciously offered the room for all nursing mothers on campus: “Lactation Room 3-369 is open to the MIT community because if an MIT mother finds the room to be a convenient location to nurse, then she should be able to access it.” Outfitted to accommodate relaxed pumping, this new room is yet another tangible reminder of MIT’s commitment to improving the health of the MIT community through its support of nursing mothers.
The Work-Life Center has worked closely with Facilities, MIT Medical, Human Resources and personnel administrators across campus and Lincoln Laboratory to promote the expansion of lactation rooms. Kathy Simons, senior program manager for Child Care Services and Work-Life Policy, led efforts to develop guidelines and create a comprehensive website listing lactation rooms and resources to support nursing mothers. “The new lactation rooms, and the renovated rooms in buildings E19 and 10, are welcoming and thoughtfully equipped,” Simons says. “These resources make it easier for women to return to work following the birth of a new baby, and their presence communicates recognition and support.”
Federal legislation requires that employers provide nursing mothers reasonable breaks and private space for lactation purposes. MIT is repeatedly recognized by the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition for its efforts to not only follow the guidelines and laws that require such support, but also for an environment that enables mothers to nurse long after they return to work.
For a descriptive list and campus map of MIT’s lactation rooms, view the Work-Life Center’s online Breastfeeding Support page.
For more information about lactation room guidelines and requirements, lactation support tips for working moms and their managers, and many other work-life issues, visit the MIT Work-Life Center webpage at http://hrweb.mit.edu/worklife.
Sucharita Berger Ghosh, administrative officer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, which houses the new room, has graciously offered the room for all nursing mothers on campus: “Lactation Room 3-369 is open to the MIT community because if an MIT mother finds the room to be a convenient location to nurse, then she should be able to access it.” Outfitted to accommodate relaxed pumping, this new room is yet another tangible reminder of MIT’s commitment to improving the health of the MIT community through its support of nursing mothers.
The Work-Life Center has worked closely with Facilities, MIT Medical, Human Resources and personnel administrators across campus and Lincoln Laboratory to promote the expansion of lactation rooms. Kathy Simons, senior program manager for Child Care Services and Work-Life Policy, led efforts to develop guidelines and create a comprehensive website listing lactation rooms and resources to support nursing mothers. “The new lactation rooms, and the renovated rooms in buildings E19 and 10, are welcoming and thoughtfully equipped,” Simons says. “These resources make it easier for women to return to work following the birth of a new baby, and their presence communicates recognition and support.”
Federal legislation requires that employers provide nursing mothers reasonable breaks and private space for lactation purposes. MIT is repeatedly recognized by the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition for its efforts to not only follow the guidelines and laws that require such support, but also for an environment that enables mothers to nurse long after they return to work.
For a descriptive list and campus map of MIT’s lactation rooms, view the Work-Life Center’s online Breastfeeding Support page.
For more information about lactation room guidelines and requirements, lactation support tips for working moms and their managers, and many other work-life issues, visit the MIT Work-Life Center webpage at http://hrweb.mit.edu/worklife.
