610 Breast Feeding and Lactation Support Guidelines

Recognizing the importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and their infants, and of promoting a family-friendly workplace, Centre provides breastfeeding and lactation guidelines. The College strives to create an environment conducive to working and learning and one that is attuned to both professional and personal needs of its women faculty, staff, and students.

The College recognizes the importance and benefits of breastfeeding and is committed to promoting this effort. Therefore, in a manner consistent with Kentucky Revised Statute, the College acknowledges that a woman may breastfeed her child in any place open to the public on campus. Additionally, the College shall provide sanitary and private space for expressing milk wherever possible, and lactation breaks.

Upon returning to work after the birth of a child, nursing mothers may request an area to pump breast milk in the workplace during normal business hours. Supervisors and Department Chairs will work with employees who are nursing to schedule reasonable and flexible break times each day for this activity.

1. Lactation Breaks
   1. Whenever possible, the College shall provide flexibility for staff and faculty members who give their Department Chair or Supervisor adequate notice identifying a need for lactation facilities.
   2. Mothers are responsible for requesting lactation support prior to or during maternity leave, preferably no later than two weeks before returning to work.
   3. Supervisors and employees shall work together to establish mutually convenient times.
   4. Employees who need assistance are encouraged to make appropriate arrangements with their supervisors to ensure that normal work related activities are not severely disrupted and their assigned tasks are completed as expected.
2. Lactation Facilities
   1. The College, at a minimum, should provide private rooms with locked doors that are clean and comfortable. Each room should have an electrical outlet and one table and one chair.
   2. The location may be the place an employee normally works if there is adequate privacy, cleanliness, and is comfortable for the employee. If not, the College will provide a place in close proximity to the employee’s work area.
   3. Supervisors who receive a lactation accommodation request should review available space in their department/unit and be prepared to provide appropriate nearby space and break time.

____________________________

KRS 211.755 specifically provides that a mother may breast-feed her baby or express breast milk in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be.