Lactation/Breastfeeding Support Information
Cornell University provides reasonable time away from work for lactating mothers in its employ to express breast milk, and will make reasonable efforts to provide a private room or other location in proximity to the work area for such activity. Link to Policy.
In compliance with New York State law, and in support of the institution's life-quality initiatives for working families, the university recognizes and respects the need to accommodate lactating mothers (of all work groups and levels) who choose to express breast milk during work time, without discrimination.
Procedure to Request Lactation Time Away from Work…
Regular staff members and student employees may request time away from
work to express breast milk for up to three years following the birth
of a child. For this accommodation, Cornell University will make reasonable
efforts to provide a private room or other location in close proximity
to the work area.
To make reasonable time away from work arrangements to express breast milk, regular staff and student employees needing accommodation must contact their supervisor or college/unit level human resource representative. Unpaid break time, paid break time, or unpaid meal time can be used for this accommodation, as well as personal leave, family health leave, vacation, or flexible scheduling.
How to Respond to an Employee Request for Time Away from Work…
Supervisors are encouraged to work within University policies regarding
breaks and hours of work to accommodate employees who wish to use the
facilities. Generally, a maximum of 20-30 minutes, 3 times per day, should
be sufficient; however, the required time is impacted by individual needs
and the proximity of a reasonable space for lactation. Decisions should
therefore be made on a case by case basis. Consider schedule options that
would accommodate this leave time, and still allow for business needs
to be accomplished. Supervisors and co-workers are asked to respect and
be sensitive to the importance of an employee's efforts to do what is
best for her baby.
A reasonable space should be secure, private, ventilated, sanitary, and kept at a comfortable temperature. It should offer comfortable seating, an electrical outlet, lighting, and have a sink nearby.
Examples of Reasonable Spaces for Lactation:
-An area that is separated from the restroom facility by a door or curtain
-A small, unused conference room that can be secured and is visually private
-A private office that can be secured and is visually private
Examples of Unreasonable Spaces for Lactation:
-Restroom area that does not have an area separated from the stalls
-Janitorial or supply closet
Expectations of Employee
-Before going on leave, communicate with the supervisor what needs you
will have regarding time away from work for lactation
-Tidy up the area or room after its use
-Provide own pump, adapter, and accessories
-Provide own small cooler or insulated bag, if a refrigerator is not available
for milk storage
Bargaining Units
Employees covered under collective bargaining agreements are also covered
under the Lactation Time Away from Work policy, which is a reflection
of New York State law. Refer to the appropriate union contracts for more
information to determine how paid, unpaid, and flextime leave may be used
for lactation purposes. Supervisors are encouraged to work within union
policies and contracts, if applicable.
Prohibited Discrimination
The New York State law prohibits discrimination against an employee who
chooses to express breast milk in the work place. Any complaints of discrimination
will be handled under University Policy 6.4, Prohibited Discrimination,
Protected Status (Including Sexual) Harassment and Bias Activity. http://www.policy.cornell.edu/vol6_4.cfm
Potential Options for Scheduling Concerns
A variety of flexible work arrangements can be used for the purpose of
accommodating the Lactation Time Away From Work policy, such as alternate
start/stop times to the workday, rearranging break periods, work from
home agreements, etc. For more information on flexible scheduling, pleave
review the Flexibility
In the Workplace Policy, 6.6.13.
Existing Mothers' Rooms - View Lifestyle
Accommodations Map for locations
Baker Laboratory, Room 144B
Baker Institute, Room 10072
Computing and Communications Center (CCC), B0021
Day Hall, 1st Floor, off of Women's Restroom
Mann Library, Room 281
Martha Van, B76
Olin Library, 2nd Floor, near Women's Restroom
Seneca Place, Downtown, 2nd Floor, near Women's Restroom
Veterinary Clinical Programs Center, Room C2 535
Veterinary Research Building, Room T8002
Weill Hall, B0061 (north end)
Wilson Lab, next to Room 334
If you would like assistance in creating a Mothers' Room for your building or department, please contact Michelle Artibee in the Office of Workforce Diversity Inclusion, at (607) 255-3976.
Additional Support Services
Breastfeeding Education 3-Part Series
Offered twice throughout the year. Visit Work/Life
Programs page for upcoming workshop information. Or Phone: (607) 255-3976
TTY: (607) 255-7066
E-List
lactation-L is an e-list that is available for faculty, staff, and students
to join. The list will provide you with information on upcoming breastfeeding
classes, the development of designated rooms on campus, and allow for
members to interact by asking questions and provide support to fellow
breastfeeding mothers.
Temporary Parking Permits
Breastfeeding mothers that need to leave the campus to breastfeed their
baby can get a temporary parking permit for 12 weeks (renewable for another
12 weeks for 24 weeks in total). This is regardless of when the breastfeeding
experience began for the mother and child. Standard parking rates apply
and a request form must be completed. Please contact Transportation Services
at 255-PARK for more information.
Breast Pump Equipment and Coverage
Contact your insurance provider for information on manual and electric breast pumps.
La Leche League of Tompkins County
http://www.lllusa.org/NYE/Tompkins/tompkins.htm
All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding
are invited to come to the meetings or call one of our Leaders for breastfeeding
help or information. Pregnant women are especially welcome.
Questions?
wellbeing@cornell.edu
Phone: (607) 255-3976 TTY: (607) 255-7066