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Family Care – Lactation Resources

 

 

Benefits of Supporting Breastfeeding at URI
Interesting Facts About Breastfeeding
Program Considerations for Colleges & Universities
URI Lactation Policy Booklet

References and Resources

 

University of Rhode Island Lactation Program

Rhode Island legislation protects a woman’s choice to breastfeed by requiring an employer to make “a reasonable effort to provide a private, secure, and sanitary room or other location in close proximity to the work area, other than a toilet stall, where an employee can express her milk or breastfeed her child” (R.I. General Laws ยง23-13.2-1).

Thanks to the support of the Elsevier Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the URI Administration, the Work-Life Committee launched a lactation program during the winter of 2008. This program won the 2009 Gold Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Award from the Rhode Island Department of Health (see press release).

—- URI Lactation Policy

The University of Rhode Island recognizes the importance and benefits of breastfeeding for both the mothers and their infants, and in promoting a family-friendly work and study environment.  Therefore, in accordance with Rhode Island state law, the University of Rhode Island acknowledges that a woman may breastfeed her child in any place open to the public on campus, and shall provide sanitary and private space, other than a toilet stall, in close proximity to the work or study area for employees or students who are nursing to schedule reasonable and flexible break time each day for this activity.

This policy is applicable to all female University faculty, staff, and students. All University supervisors are responsible for being aware of the policy and working with female employees to arrange mutually convenient lactation break times.  The Division of Student Affairs will be responsible for making this policy known to female students.

—- Procedures for Employees and Supervisors

Please click HERE to find URI procedural information for employees who wish to make a request for lactation break arrangements, and to supervisors for responding appropriately to these requests.

 

Lactation Facilities at URI

 

Narragansett Bay Campus Lactation Map

Kingston Campus Lactation Map

 

 <– Look for this international symbol at each Mother's Room location. PUMP KITS.  For those wishing to use the hospital grade Medela breast pumps in the University Library or the Providence campus, pump kits are available at the Women’s Center, 874-2097.
Kingston Campus Mackal Field House

  • Visiting women’s locker room, first floor.
  • Walk-ins welcome, or call to ensure no visiting teams are present, 874-2029
  • clean, large, private lockable room adjacent to sinks and restroom
  • Users must provide their own pump, and must sign in at the front desk to unlock door.
  • Hours of operation:  AY: M-F 6:45 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sat 11-4, Sun 1-9;  Summer: M-F 6:45 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Memorial Union

  • small, clean, lockable room within the women’s restroom on the ground floor
  • Walk-in only. Users must provide their own pump, and must sign in.
  • Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 midnight

Pharmacy Building

  • Room 284. Comfortable, large, private room with lockable doors, sink, electrical outlets
  • Walk-in only.  Users must provide their own pump and must sign in.
  • Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

University Library (pump provided)

  • Room 237
  • Private room with  hospital-grade electric pump, comfortable seating, and a small resource library.
  • Library hours apply. Sign-in is required; room is locked; all users must register at the Circulation Desk.
  • Pump kits available by calling Women’s Center at 874-2097.

Women’s Center

  • 22 Upper College Rd. Room 107. Attractive, large, private room with sofa, lockable door, electrical outlets
  • Restroom down the hall
  • By appointment only.  Please call 874-5412. Users must provide their own pump and must sign in.
  • Hours:  8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday

Engineering complex

  • Temporary location until construction is completed in 2019: Schneider Electric, 132 Fairgrounds Road, West Kingston, RI
Narragansett Bay Campus Room 017, Ocean Science and Exploration Center

  • This room is located on the ground floor and has a sink, shower and a large comfortable chair for sitting.
  • It is adjacent to the bathrooms on the ground level and is publicly accessible. The room is the size of a typical unisex bathroom and is designed for one person with a lockable door.
  • Walk-in only. Users must provide their own pump, and must sign in.
  • Hours: 7:30 a.m. – to 6:00 p.m., or whenever building is closed for the evening
Feinstein Providence Campus Room 218, Faculty Restroom Lounge(pump provided)

  • Clean, comfortable, lockable, handicap-accessible restroom with chair, table, sink, some informational resources
  • Open to all nursing mothers for pumping – students, staff and faculty.
  • Walk-in only. Room is kept locked; key and pump kits can be obtained at Student Services desk on ground floor; call (401) 277-5000 for more information.
  • Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Alton Jones Campus tbd

Off Campus Resources for New Breastfeeding Mothers

Healthy Babies, Happy Moms, Inc., East Greenwich – resources, products, consultation
Rhode Island Department of Health
South County Hospital Maternity Services, Wakefield
Women & Infants Hospital, Breastfeeding Support Services, Providence
Alliance for Breastfeeding Education – La Leche League

Lactation Program Information

The National Business Group on Health, part of the Center for Prevention and Health Services, has published an excellent guide for developing a lactation program, called Investing in Workplace Breastfeeding Programs and Policies.  We recommend following their general guidelines.

Additionally, the URI Work-Life Committee has developed a set of Program Considerations for colleges and university settings.

 

 

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