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Lactation/Breastfeeding Support

If you need to pump or express breast milk while on campus, the University supports employees by providing lactation spaces to aid you with breastfeeding.

Lactation Spaces

Finding space for pumping

We offer a growing number of public lactation spaces on the Twin Cities campus, including the East Bank, West Bank, and St. Paul. See the complete list of lactation spaces.

You can use the Breastfeeding in Session door sign (pdf) during lactation sessions to ensure your privacy. Feel free to share the door sign with others.

Questions about lactations spaces

If you have additional questions and concerns about lactation spaces or resources, visit the Lactation Advocacy Committee’s website or email uofmlac@umn.edu.

When You Are Expecting

Talking with your supervisor and human resources

We suggest that you contact your supervisor or HR consultant to make arrangements to use your breast pump or express milk during when you return to work. You can reach out before your baby is born, while on parental leave, or as soon as you return to work.

To help you discuss your needs as a nursing parent with your supervisor, the Lactation Advocacy Committee developed How to Talk to Your Supervisor about Your Lactation Needs (pdf). The tip sheet discusses your need for reasonable break time along with a private place for you to pump or express milk.

Other benefits to support you and your family

  • Achieve optimal health throughout your pregnancy and during the first six weeks after delivery. If you are covered by the UPlan medical program, you can participate in the Healthy Pregnancy program from Medica to give your infant a healthy start. As an expectant parent, the program can help you stay well and feel good throughout your pregnancy and after your newborn arrives. If you participate in Medica’s Healthy Pregnancy program, this program is also considered an activity in the University’s Wellbeing Program and you can earn points for completing the program.

  • Get confidential help coping with life changes. The University offers confidential professional consulting and referral services to all benefits-eligible employees on all campuses. Employee Assistance Program consultants and counselors can help with a range of personal concerns including work, personal relationships, family issues, and coping with stress. If you are eligible for benefits, then you, your spouse, and your children are all eligible for up to eight counseling sessions per year at no cost. Counseling and consulting services are available via telephone or in-person. To find out more, visit www.sandcreekeap.com or call 888-243-5744. Staff hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you need in-the-moment support, counselors are available 24/7 by calling 888-243-5744.
  • Learn more about leave options for parents. Help in planning a parental leave is available for Labor Represented and Civil Service staff as well as Faculty and P&A staff. Additional information on Family and Medical Leave is also available.

The University is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all our employees, including new parents who are breastfeeding and have lactation needs. Supervisors and human resources professionals should discuss lactation needs with employees before their parental leave to ensure they will be provided reasonable break time and a private space to pump or express milk. Lactation Supervisor Guide (pdf), created by the Lactation Advocacy Committee, is available to help supervisors understand the University guidelines and requirements.

About the Lactation Advocacy Committee

The Lactation Advocacy Committee (LAC) is an ad hoc group founded by leaders from the Student Parent HELP Center and The Women’s Center. The LAC has actively collaborated to support parents and advocate for lactation resources on campus since 2009. The LAC invites any member of the U of M community to be a volunteer or an everyday advocate. Those interested should email uofmlac@umn.edu.

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