Interactive map highlights campus lactation spaces

August 9, 2012

WorkLife Programs' lactation support services offer assistance to returning mothers by working with their supervisors to coordinate times and find ideal lactation spaces for them to express their milk. WorkLife Programs has launched an interactive map of current campus lactation spaces.

The map displays 13 locations on the West Lafayette campus and includes descriptions of each room, as well as contact information for the use of each space. To view the map, visit www.purdue.edu/hr/worklife/life/childcare/medCoverage/lactationSupport.html

August is National Breastfeeding Month. The benefits of breastfeeding extend from baby to mother and family, and community support can impact a mother's decision to breastfeed. Social stigma, lack of knowledge, poor family and social support, embarrassment, lactation problems and employment are all cited as reasons from the Surgeon General's Call to Support Breastfeeding as to why many mothers turn away from breastfeeding or do not attempt to breastfeed at all.

Purdue strives to create an environment that promotes the health and wellness of its employees, which includes supporting the decision of an employee to continue breastfeeding after she returns to work. The University recognizes that breastfeeding is not only good for health, but also that the payoff is significant. Breastfeeding has been associated with lower health care costs, lower turnover rates, lower absenteeism rates and higher employee productivity and morale.

More information on lactation support services is available at www.purdue.edu/hr/worklife/life/childcare/medCoverage/lactationSupport.html.