Breastfeeding and Lactation Support
The University of Maine recognizes the importance and benefits of breastfeeding for both employees and their infants, and in promoting a family-friendly work and study environment. Our goal is to create an environment conducive to working and learning that meets both the professional and personal needs of our employees.
Getting Started
- Review the University of Maine Breastfeeding and Lactation Support Policy
- Complete a Lactation Accommodation Request Form and return it to your supervisor at least 14 business days before the start of your accommodation request.
- The University will make reasonable efforts to provide sanitary and private facilities in close proximity to the work area for employees to breastfeed or to express breast milk.
- The location may be a place an employee normally works if there is adequate privacy, cleanliness, and that location is comfortable for the employee.
- Areas such as private offices or conference rooms with lockable doors qualify as appropriate spaces for lactation purposes.
- Bathrooms are not appropriate spaces for lactation purposes, unless the bathroom is equipped with a separate, designated room for lactation purposes.
- A dedicated lactation room located on the lower level of the Memorial Union in room 162B. For more information please refer to the Memorial Union Lactation Room link under Lactation Resources below.
- A wellness/lactation room for students/staff/faculty is available in 101A Hitchner Hall. This room features comfortable furniture, a refrigerator, and the room can be locked from the inside for privacy. For questions or to arrange a specific time, please email lily.hesseltine@maine.edu . The room is available during regular business hours of 8-4:30.
- In the event that one of these options is not feasible, employees should contact their supervisor/manager or the Office of Human Resources at (207) 581-1581, to work out a solution to meet their breastfeeding needs.
