With so many working mothers attending conferences, creating a lactation room is a win-win for the organization and the attendees.
In workplaces with 50 or more employees, it’s also the law, under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Nursing employees have the right to reasonable break time and a private place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion to express breast milk while at work. This space must be available as needed for up to one year after the child’s birth.
The FLSA’s protections for nursing mothers were extended by the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (known as the PUMP act), which was signed into law in December 2022. Since then, planners have been expected to accommodate meeting attendees who are nursing.
Mamava pods have become more common in the past couple of years, and some big facilities, like convention centers, already have them in place. They’re available in different sizes, from 16 square feet to one that’s like a small room, at 50 square feet.
If that’s not an option, here are 7 guidelines for creating a lactation room at your venue.
1. Cleanliness is key
Lactation rooms need to be sanitary and easy to clean. Provide sanitizing wipes and sprays for breast pump parts, as well as hand sanitizer.
2. Include a sink if possible
The CDC recommends placing pump parts in a clean wash basin used only for washing infant feeding equipment. Plumbing-free portable sinks are available from companies that specialize in lactation room supplies. If you are not able to include a sink, make sure the space is near a rest room.
3. Include a lactation chair
Lactation chairs are specifically designed with features for comfort and functionality. Most important is their ergonomic design, which helps with lumbar support, and armrests located at the ideal height for pumping.
4. Supply refrigerated storage
For mothers who want to store their milk, you can add a refrigerator, or offer to provide one in their guest rooms.
5. Provide clear signage
While there are no legal requirements for labeling a lactation room, it’s helpful to include a sign for a ‘Mother’s Room’ (or the more inclusive term: ‘Lactation Room’).
6. Make it convenient
Nursing mothers shouldn’t have to walk far and lose valuable time getting to the lactation room. The goal is to allow them to participate fully in your event.
7. Scale the number of rooms to the size of the group
The National Institutes of Health recommends six lactation spaces for every 1,000 women, two for 250, and one for 100 or fewer.
Sources: Mamava, Nessel
