Congratulations on your new baby! We are so excited for you here on campus. We want to help make your transition back to work as easy as possible. This website is designed to help you identify resources and places of support during this time of transition. Included in this section is information about lactation rooms on campus, applicable laws, and helpful resources.
Lactation Room Locations on Campus
Georgia College & State University supports you in your efforts to express breast milk for your child. The following buildings have designated lactation rooms. If you have any more questions feel free to contact The Women's Center 478-445-8519.
Beeson Hall - 3rd floor
Available on a first-come-first serve basis. Features the following amenities:
- Private, lockable room
- Comfortable chair and table
- Running water for cleaning pump parts
Maxwell Student Union- First Floor (located inside Women's Restroom)
Available on a first-come-first serve basis. To access this room, please check out a key from the Women's Center. Features the following amenities:
- Private, lockable room
- Comfortable chair and table
- Running water for cleaning pump parts (not inside room, but in restroom the Lactation Room is inside of)
Women's Center Room 209B (Blackbridge Hall)
Available on a first-come-first serve basis. This location is on the 2nd floor and is only accessible via stairs. Features the following amenities:
- Private, lockable room
- Comfortable chair and table
- Running water for cleaning pump parts (not inside room, but across the hall in restroom)
Who Can Use the Rooms?
The Lactation Rooms are open to:
- Any member of the campus community (Faculty, Staff, Students)
- Visitors
Applicable Laws
Federal Law
In 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act amended the Fair Labor Standards Act to require employers to provide a nursing mother reasonable break time to express breast milk after the birth of her child. The amendment also requires that employers provide a place for an employee to express breast milk.
Georgia Law
Public Breastfeeding Law
Georgia Code – Health – Title 31, Section 31-1-9
The breast-feeding of a baby is an important and basic act of nurture which should be encouraged in the interests of maternal and child health. A mother may breast-feed her baby in any location where the mother and baby are otherwise authorized to be.
Workplace Pumping Law
Georgia Code – Labor and Industrial Relations– Title 34, Section 34-1-6
An employer may provide reasonable unpaid break time each day to an employee who needs to express breast milk for her infant child. The employer may make reasonable efforts to provide a room or other location (in close proximity to the work area), other than a toilet stall, where the employee can express her milk in privacy. The break time shall, if possible, run concurrently with any break time already provided to the employee. An employer is not required to provide break time under this Code section if to do so would unduly disrupt the operations of the employer.
Information about Pumping
For successful pumping we recommend the following:
- A breast pump. There are many different types at a variety of different price points available, insurance may also be able to cover a pump.
- Bottles or bags to collect and store your milk (storage bottles often come with the breast pump)
- Access to a refrigerator or a small cooler to keep the milk cold until you get it home. Currently none of the lactation rooms on campus provide refrigeration, please plan to bring a cooler bag or alternate form of refrigeration with you
- Breast pads to protect your clothes if you leak
- A place to pump. Georgia College provides spaces for use as lactation rooms on campus. You can use any of these rooms or an alternate space if you have access to a private office or conference room. An ideal alternate location would have a locking door, access to a sink nearby, and an electric outlet. Representatives from the Women’s Center can also assist you in finding a location near your workstation.
- Preparation. It's a good idea to get used to pumping a week or two before returning to work so you'll know what to expect and how it feels. You'll be much more confident pumping at work if you already know that you can produce enough milk to fill a storage bag or bottle. Plus, it's reassuring to have a stash of breast milk in the freezer when you head off to work.
- Take care of yourself! It’s important to remember that your milk supply may vary daily. To maximize your milk flow, try to pump at the same time and place each day. Stress and fatigue are your biggest enemies, so try to relax. To get in the mood during pumping breaks, some moms like to have a picture of their baby handy, an article of baby clothing, or even a recording of their baby's babbles and coos. And remember, you're still a nursing mom, so eat well and drink plenty of water while at work.
Childcare Resources
Visit http://decal.ga.gov for information about childcare resources in Georgia such as: Childcare provider search (including home care, group care, and childcare learning centers) Childcare inspection reports Information regarding accreditation.