Pumping @ school

desdemona39

I know the law requires employers to provide a place for pumping that is not a restroom, but are there similar rules for a university?

I am returning to school next month, and while on campus I asked the help desk if there were any places for nursing mothers to pump, and they looked at me like I had 3 heads. Then the woman said that she *thinks* the student health center has rooms I could use, but they are not open in the summer, so I can't find out until the fall. Plus, they have limited hours, and I will be on campus from about 1-9pm. It really skeeves me out to pump in a bathroom, and I can't possibly be the first nursing mother to go to school! I will be taking the train to school, so there is no car to pump in. 

yeladim

I'm in the same boat. Starting school again on Monday (yikes!) and not sure where I can pump. My situation is a little different because I'm doing rotations at hospitals now, but there are days when we have classroom sessions. There is another mom in my class who recently had a baby and when we have our classroom days, the dean's secretary opens up an empty room for her in the dean's office during breaks so she can pump. If you are in a larger university, you probably can't exactly get that sort of set up though. Are there private study rooms in the library that you can use? Check with the student center and ask when there are unused rooms, maybe you can use a room there. I'm trying to come up with ideas- haven't done them myself though HTH

desdemona39

I also have the hospital rotation issue as well, but will be driving to the hospital, so worst case scenario I can pump in the car before and after (though I usually hand express after pumping and won't be able to do that in a car without tinted windows). I won't find out what hospital I'll be at until 2 days prior to my first rotation, so I can't even contact the hospital in regards to this.

AHH I wish things were easier for nursing mothers! We're doing what's best for our children and are ultimately saving society money by BFing... It especially troubles me being a nurse that our schools and hospitals (of all places) are not more BF friendly. Ok, rant over. 

pitterpatter129

I would ask a custodian in the building.  They know more about empty rooms and could probably point you to a place.  I know when I was in college, I found quiet, empty spaces all the time to study/nap, usually on the top floors of buildings for some reason.  I would just go and take a few hours to explore if you can.  If they have a music department, you can go to the practice rooms (like the sound proof piano room, etc..)