MANAGER'S TOOLKIT

WORKPLACE LACTATION SUPPORT GUIDE

The UCI Lactation Support Program is dedicated to helping lactating persons continue to comfortably provide milk after returning to work or school. Per UC policy and California law, managers are responsible to provide protected lactation breaks and a private space.

Why it Matters

Lactation support helps create a positive work environment to support and improve working parents’ health and their families. It also improves health equity for mothers in the work force. Furthermore, supporting nursing mothers improves productivity, increases employee morale, and helps retain valuable team members.

Steps To Support Your Staff

Contact staff two weeks prior to their return:
- Share the website, families.uci.edu, for resources and lactation room locations.
- Help locate lactations rooms nearest to their workplace at Campus or Health
- Establish a written lactation break schedule.
- (UCI Health Only) Remind staff to register for the UCI Health Lactation Support Program to acquire badge access to rooms and receive a free cooler bag.
Check in with staff upon return to ensure needs are being met. Adjust as needed.

For help creating temporary lactation accommodations, contact your local HR representative.

Understanding the Policy

Learn more about official UC policy here.

Mothers can request accommodation based on their needs.
The time it takes to pump breast milk varies based on individual needs, the equipment they have, and which stage the child/mother is in.
Estimated time away for lactation breaks is 30 minutes.
Most mothers need to pump every 3-4 hours.
Unpaid break time used for pumping is allowed if they are unable to use paid breaks or their lunch break.

SUPPORT

For lactation accommodation, contact your HRBP, departmental HR professional, or the UCI Employee Experience Center (EEC) at eec@uci.edu or 949.824.0500, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

For additional lactation support or information, contact Dyan Hall at dyhall@uci.edu.