YPG’s EEO opens first official Mother’s Lactation Room
Women today are more likely to work while pregnant. Data collected by the Pew Research Center indicates that not only are a higher share of women who are pregnant continuing to work, but they also are working longer into their pregnancies and returning to work much sooner after. While pregnancy can be a joyous and exciting time, it can also present challenges at work for some women who experience limitations or complications associated with pregnancy. One of those complications can be finding a clean, private place to express milk while at work.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010 requires that employees provide lactation rooms in workplaces and reasonable break time for employees to express breast milk also that the location be ‘a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public.’ These requirements became effective in March 2010, and apply to all employers with more than 50 employees.
Since their inception, lactation rooms have been recognized as a building amenity with advantages for both employer and employee. Benefits include increased workplace diversity, improved children’s health, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity.
As the nation’s largest employer, the federal government strives to be a leader in the promotion of wellness programs and progressive workforce policies. While in the process of construction an official Lactation Room with all the amenities required Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) provided mother’s with makeshift nursing rooms. The Lactation Room under went construction in December of 2019 and opened for use later that month.
YPG’s Lactation room is easy to find and identified as part of the facility’s signage and wayfinding system. It is equipped with a lockable door (accessible by emergency personnel), counter, comfortable seating with adjustable armrest, trash can, paper towels, cleansers, electrical outlets for breast pumps. A sink with hot and cold water to clean up after expressing breastmilk., a refrigerator for storing milk, curtains for privacy, a mirror, storage for pumping supplies, bulletin board for messages, and education materials. The room also includes, comfortable, non-glaring lights and a palette of soft colors, patterns, and textures conducive to relaxation.
The Lactation Room is available for use during working hours. For entry code or questions regarding the room call 928-210-2245 or email the EEO staff at usarmy.ypg. atec.list.eeo.