Answers to Commonly Asked Lactation Space Questions
Katie Purcell
Work Life
Offering lactation spaces across campus to Ohio State’s faculty and staff who continue breastfeeding upon their return to work is very important. The university is committed to supporting these employees by giving them a safe, private, and relaxing space to express milk within a reasonable (five minute) walk from their workspace. There are 17 lactation spaces on the Columbus campus. Consider this list of frequently asked questions if you are exploring implementing a lactation space in a campus building.
How do we convert space?
If a department has a space, it can let human resources know and it can walk the department through the process.
What are the parameters for each room, or what amenities does each room need for it to be considered appropriate space for lactation?
There are two tiers of specifications for a lactation room: one is for new builds and indicates everything that a new building would implement into such a space; the second is for converting existing space and allows more modest and affordable accommodations.
Is there funding from central human resources or another department for converting space into a lactation room?
Currently, there is no central fund to convert or upgrade space for lactation purposes. The responsibility lies within the department or unit but can be done relatively inexpensively.
Who is responsible for room security and the hospital’s pump?
Someone in the building is designated to be the contact for the room and pump. That person makes sure the room is kept orderly, clean, and locked/unlocked when appropriate.
Who is allowed to use the space?
Theoretically, building occupants, department/unit members, students, neighboring building occupants, and visitors can use lactation spaces. The building coordinator and lactation room contact person, as well as department leaders, can suggest who is “allowed” to use the room. However, we recommend that lactation spaces are open to all Ohio State faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Access limitations are noted on the web site listing.
How do we get a pump?
To get a free pump, contact Jeanne Setty, CNS, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant, at The Ohio State University Medical Center, (614) 293-8910.
Can we provide the space but opt out of providing the pump for security and liability purposes?
Yes, some rooms have pumps and others don’t. We recommend that all rooms provide access to a pump. Access limitations are noted on the web site listing.
Who pays plant, operations, and maintenance (POM) or rent on the space once it is no longer used as an office or storage for a particular department?
The space remains assigned to the department, so POM will continue to be assessed.
If your department is interested in planning or converting a space in your building, contact Katie Purcell in the Work Life office at (614) 292-0583 or purcell.59@osu.edu. To see a complete listing of lactation spaces or to learn more, visit hr.osu.edu/worklife/children.