Mother’s Rooms

Creating a Premium Experience – Mother’s Rooms

The realities of breastfeeding and, later, returning to work as a pumping mother present a new set of very real challenges for a woman.

Workplaces that support a mother in her return to work by bringing her back with ease always win. Committed employers are not only supporting infant health, they are also establishing a powerful statement of collaboration, underscoring how much they value their employee.

Why It Matters – mothers are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. labor force according to the CDC. As of 2010, all employers are required to provide time and appropriate space for nursing moms to pump during their workday.

What is in it for the employer?

Organizations who provide a comprehensive lactation program add value for both returning mothers and the company’s return on investment.

• Lowers medical costs and health insurance claims
• Reduced turnover rates
• Lower absenteeism rates
• Improved productivity
• Improved employee morale and loyalty

What does it mean for the employee?

If you might not already know, the stress of the day and demands of work and life can weigh on a new mom. She uses her time while pumping to catch her breath and take a moment to re-center. By creating a space where she can relax or an opportunity to stay connected while multitasking, she feels empowered to tackle both work and life while feeling supported.

What should be considered when designing your Mother’s Room?

• Private Room: Provide a clean, dedicated private room, with a locking door, that is located close to the work-space. This should not be a bathroom, or located in a separate building or floors away.
• Comfortable Chair: An upright, comfortable lounge chair with minimal recline is ideal for nursing mothers.
• Ottoman: A padded ottoman to elevate the mother’s feet is important for varying posture.
• Power Access: Close accessibility to a power outlet is needed for the pump and other devices (phone / laptop).
• Table Surface: A flexible, movable table surface provides a place for pumping supplies and electronics, allowing mothers to stay productive while they pump.
• Refrigerator: Store milk and pump supplies (separate from general staff refrigerator).
• Sink: Ability to wash pump supplies privately away from the general staff area.
• Cleaning Supplies: Offer dish soap, bottle brushes, and anti-bacterial wipes to assist in safe clean up.
• Mirror: The mirror is an important element to recompose before entering back to work.
• Room Sign-up System: Set up a room scheduling system to avoid overlap and wasted time (should you have more than one mother).

If you need to create a space for your new moms, or enhance your current Mother’s Rooms, contact us!