Lactation Support

Macalester has some designated lactation spaces spread across campus.  They are located:

• Kagin Commons – Room 017 (Basement level)
• Theater & Dance Building – Room T106 (1st Floor)
• Humanities Building – Room  115J (1st Floor)
• DeWitt Wallace Library – Room L09 (Basement)
• Alternate: 63 Mac – Upper Level 

If the permanent rooms nor the employee’s regular office space do not work, we can also make alternative arrangements. This will be a private and clean space with a lockable door, a comfortable chair, a refrigerator, and appropriate signage as needed. Arrangements for this room can take some time to put together and employees are encouraged to give as much notice as possible. Please understand that the location of the lactation rooms may vary depending on space needs/availability and schedules.

Contact Human Resources at 651-696-6280 or hr@macalester.edu to make arrangements.

If your office provides you with the privacy, space, and comfort needed for your lactation purposes Macalester can provide you with a mini-fridge to keep in your office until it is no longer needed. Contact Human Resources at hr@macalester.edu for more information.

If you have additional questions and concerns about lactation spaces or resources, please contact Human Resources at hr@macalester.edu.

We suggest that you contact your supervisor and Facilities Services to make arrangements to use the lactation room. You can reach out before your baby is born, while on parental leave, or when planning your return to work.

Here are some resources to help you navigate a discussion with your supervisor about your lactation needs. These cover talking about your needs for reasonable break times and their duration throughout the workday.

• EAP’s Child Care Benefit – You have access to confidential resources, information and referrals for every age and stage through Macalester’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Take advantage of advice and support regarding these and other topics by calling 877-622-4327 or visiting mycigna.com (Employer ID: macalester)
  • Nursing your infant
  • Special Needs Care
  • Parenting Support Group
  • Childcare, back-up care, and sick child care
  • Resources for all education and developmental stages
• Wellbeats – If you’re on Macalester’s health plan, Wellbeats offers a channel for pre and post-natal exercise. These classes provide safe, feel-good exercises that will help keep you active.
• Nice Healthcare – Nice Healthcare provides well child exams that can happen in your home. Most of the time a Nice Healthcare provider is able to see their patients the same day for  chat, video, and home visit.

Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition
The Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition works to create environments where breastfeeding/chestfeeding is valued and supported to achieve natural infant feeding equity in all Minnesota communities.

Minnesota Department of Health
The Minnesota Department of Health offers extensive information on promoting breastfeeding/chestfeeding awareness and support.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) is committed to increasing breastfeeding/chestfeeding rates throughout the United States and to promoting and supporting optimal breastfeeding/chestfeeding practices toward the ultimate goal of improving the public’s health.

• How to keep your pump kit clean, new guidelines provided by the CDC.

International Lactation Consultant Association
This worldwide network of lactation professionals can help you find a local lactation consultant and provides support for chestfeeing parents.

It’s Only Natural
It’s Only Natural has information for African-American parents and their families about the health benefits of breastfeeding/chestfeeding.

Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Minnesota
PPSM is a voice for mental health during and after pregnancy. They provide support, advocacy, awareness and training during vulnerable times.