Lactation Support

Information for Employees

The Fair Labors Standard Act (FLSA) requires employers to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for one year after the child's birth each time such employee has need to express the milk. Employees are entitled to a place to pump at work, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public.

Employers are not required under the FLSA to compensate nursing mothers for breaks taken for the purpose of expressing milk. However, where employers already provide compensated breaks, an employee who uses that break time to express milk must be compensated in the same way that other employees are compensated for break time.

At Iowa State University, we have generally considered reasonable breaks for new mothers to express milk to be paid breaks. Supervisors should work with their employees to support the necessary breaks and balance work assignments, given the need for breaks. If a supervisor feels that breaks are unreasonable, they must contact the Employee and Labor Relations Office to discuss next steps.

For additional information about the law, see the following resources from the U.S. Department of Labor:

• FLSA Protections to Pump at Work
• Fact Sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions

Information for Students

Title IX protects the rights of pregnant and parenting students, ensuring they have the same opportunities and rights as other students. This includes the right to continue in their chosen educational programs, receive necessary accommodations, and participate in extracurricular activities without facing exclusion based on their pregnancy or parenting status. The following resources provide specific information and guidance regarding the rights of pregnant and parenting students:

• Know Your Rights as a Pregnant or Parenting Student
• Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students Under Title IX (PDF)
• Your Right to Pump or Breastfeed at College (The Pregnant Scholar)

If you would like to discuss your rights as a pregnant or parenting student, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity (2680 Beardshear Hall; (515) 294-7612; eooffice@iastate.edu). You may also wish to visit the Dean of Students Assistance and Outreach Services for additional resources and guidance.

Consider returning to work or study toward the end of the week (on Wednesday or Thursday), if you are able. This will allow for fewer days away from your baby during your first week back and a more gradual transition for both you and your baby.

You can express breastmilk wherever you feel comfortable. To prepare for your return, you should identify a space (not a bathroom) that may be used to express breastmilk. Iowa State University has more than 30 dedicated lactation rooms located around campus for employee, student, and visitor use. Once you’ve identified a comfortable space, calendar your pumping sessions as part of your daily activities. Remember that a short pumping or breastfeeding session is better than no session at all. Your milk supply will decrease if you skip too many sessions.

While you're on leave, freeze and store the breastmilk you pump to use once you return to work. Consider storing breastmilk in small amounts (2-3 ounces) for unexpected situations or delays in regular feedings. Learn more about proper storage and preparation of pumped breastmilk.

Many individuals find that their milk production increases when they have a reminder of their baby during their pumping session. Consider bringing a photograph, an item that smells of your baby such as a blanket, or a video of your baby making cooing sounds.

No matter how you choose to feed your child, balancing work or study and parenthood can be tiring. Get as much rest as you can, eat nutritious foods throughout the day, and drink plenty of water. Consider joining a support group to share experiences and get support. Be proud of any amount of breastfeeding that you and your baby share during your breastfeeding journey.