Penn helps nursing mothers transition back to work

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, breastfeeding protects newborn babies by providing them with rich nutrients and antibodies to fight disease. The “liquid gold,” as breast milk has been called, also helps infants grow and is easier to digest than formula.

Returning to work after having a baby takes some careful planning, especially when a new mother is breastfeeding. Penn's Nursing Mothers Program can help make the transition back to work a smooth one.

From providing lactation areas across campus to arranging for flexible break times, the University is committed to supporting a mother’s role as both a mom and a working professional.

All full- and part-time faculty and staff are eligible to participate in the Nursing Mothers Program. Employees have access to private breastfeeding areas, as well as guidelines for identifying lactation space and tips for setting up lactation rooms in their schools, centers, divisions or departments.

The Penn Women's Center, at 3643 Locust Walk, has a private room specifically designed for breastfeeding or pumping that is open to any member of the Penn community without a reservation. For more information, call 215-898-8611 or email pennwomenscenter@gmail.com.

More information about the Nursing Mothers Program and lactation rooms on campus can be found on the Division of Human Resources website.

“There’s so much planning involved when you’re nursing a newborn and preparing to go back to work at the same time. That’s why we’re committed to help making the transition easier,” says Marilyn Kraut, director of HR’s Quality of Worklife Programs. “[The Nursing Mothers Program] is all about giving faculty and staff the resources they need to manage their roles as mothers and working professionals.”

Nursing Mother