Description of Benefits

As part of our family-friendly benefits, the University of Northern Iowa supports breastfeeding mothers by accommodating the mother who wishes to express breast milk during her workday. Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, employees must be provided with a reasonable break time to express breast milk. The employee and her immediate supervisor will agree on the times for breaks needed to express milk.

In addition, if you have a health plan with the University, your plan may cover part of the cost for a breast pump. A breast pump is considered durable medical equipment. Please check the coverage manual your plan for details.

The University provides a private lactation room in Gilchrist Hall for mothers to use to express milk. The room number is 114, and is located directly across from the Registrar’s office on the first floor. The Lactation Room is furnished with a chair and a small table. It also has a small refrigerator reserved for the specific storage of breast milk, a small sink for washing, and microwave for sterilizing.

Employees wishing to use the Lactation Room must complete a key request form and turn it in to Human Resources Services for signature. The employee will be contacted when the key is ready for pick up. Allow a minimum of five business days for your key request to be processed. Please refer to lactation room procedure and rules for additional information on the room. The room procedure and rules are also posted in room 114.

There is Oracle Calendar designated for Gilchrist Room 114. To access this calendar contact Therese.Callaghan@uni.edu.

Students wishing to use the lactation room must complete a student key request form, and return it to the dean of students for signature. The student will be contacted when the key is ready for pick up. Allow a minimum of five business days for your key request to be processed.

Human Resource Services maintains a key for this room. Visitors who may wish to use this room to express breast milk should be directed to Gilchrist 27.

The University reserves the right to require medical certification to support the stated intent of breaks used to express milk and use of room.

Contact Information