PROJECTS

By: Veronica Yambrovich, IIDA, LEED Green Associate, WELL AP

01.14.2021

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“Do we really need to make space for that?” or “Is it required for us to have a Mother’s Room?” are a couple of questions I’ve encountered while working with commercial clients on their projects. The answer is a resounding “YES!”.

 

Mother’s Rooms ARE REQUIRED

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In 2010 when President Obama passed the Affordable Care Act (ACA), he also approved an amendment to the “Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Section 7 to require employers to provide basic accommodations, such as time and space, for breastfeeding mothers at work. (What).

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The U.S. Congress approved the “Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act of 2019 (Breastfeeding). This act requires that “buildings that are open to the public and contain a public restroom provide a lactation room, other than a bathroom, that is hygienic and is available for use by members of the public to express milk.” (Norton). Buildings are excluded from this requirement if there is no existing space that can be designated as a Mother’s room, or the cost to create one is “not feasible” (Norton).

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Mother’s Rooms make employees feel safe

 

If you are a business owner or employer, you are a Leader. A leader’s job is to make sure their people feel safe. Including Mother’s Room’s in your renovation or new building make members of your team feel like they are included and thought about.

 

If you are an employer and you provide a mother’s room in your workplace, you save members of your team the stress and worry of finding a space and getting walked-in on, the embarrassment of both parties in that situation, and lessen the possibility of your employees having to go off-site and spend more time to find a safe place to lactate. By providing these small (typically 100 square feet or less) spaces, you send the message of care, safety, and inclusion in your company’s values.

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What to Include in Your Mother’s Room

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REQUIRED:

• No views into the space, must be “shielded from public views” (Norton).

• Be “free from intrusion” AKA provide a locking mechanism on the door. (Norton).

• A chair

• A worksurface

• An electrical outlet

 

NICE TO HAVE:

• Sink and Soap - to clean up and wash hands.

• Undercounter refrigerator or mini-fridge - separate from your break room or communal refrigerator.

• Wall Mirror – to freshen up and check yourself before returning to work.

• Emergency Pull Station – past clients have requested this in spaces that have doors without windows in case an employee needs help.

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If you would like more information on your state’s specific lactation laws, please visit this link: https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/breastfeeding-state-laws.aspx

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If you are looking to renovate or build a new space and want to navigate these laws with ease, work with a professional Interior Designer! Contact Formation Interiors, LLC.

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