V607.05 Nursing Mothers
As part of our infant-friendly policies and benefits, Valley City State University (VCSU) supports nursing mothers by accommodating the mother who wishes to express breast milk during her workday. The provisions of this nursing mother policy meet the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Any employee breastfeeding her child will be provided reasonable and patterned break times to express breast milk for her newborn child. A clean, private space (not a toilet stall or restroom) is available for pumping/nursing on first floor McFarland, with a private entrance. Keys may be checked out at the Facilities Services office. The windowless room provides:
- Lockable entrance to provide privacy from intrusion and view
- Accessible electrical outlets for an electric breast pump
- Comfortable seating
- Countertop with lockable storage units for equipment and supplies
- A small refrigerator reserved for the specific storage of breast milk
A clean water source for washing hands and rinsing out any breast pump equipment is available close to the private space. Employees storing breast milk in the refrigerator must label the bottle with their name and date. Employees storing milk in the refrigerator assume all responsibility for the safety of the milk and the risk of harm for any reason, including improper storage, refrigeration and tampering. Employees who work off-site or in other locations will be accommodated with a private area as necessary.
Sponsor: Human Resources Director
Initial Approval: September 2011
Revised: January 2012
Reviewed: Spring 2022