Student Lactation FAQ
Students who are lactating will be provided break time and a space for expressing milk to the extent necessary to preserve access to VCU’s education program and activities. VCU policies, including the Preventing and Responding to Discrimination Policy, prohibit discrimination in the workplace, academic setting or any of its programs or activities on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, which includes lactation.
The frequency of breaks needed to express breast milk varies depending on factors such as: the age and size of the baby, the number of breast feedings in the baby's normal daily schedule, and whether the baby is eating solid food. The needs of the baby will change overtime and therefore the schedule for pumping will evolve as well.
In the first six months of life a baby may need as many as 8 to 12 feedings per day. This means that a nursing baby needs food every two to three hours. A lactating individual produces milk continually throughout the day and night in order to meet the needs of the baby. If the baby does not take the milk directly from the mother, it must be removed by a pump about as frequently as the baby usually nurses.
If a lactating individual is unable to express breast milk while they are away from their baby, they may experience a drop in their milk supply. This could result in their inability to feed their child. The inability to express milk may also lead to a serious infection, called mastitis, in the lactating individual.
The length of time necessary to express milk also varies from person to person. The act of expressing breast milk alone typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes, but there are many other factors that will determine a reasonable break time. The following factors should be considered:
- The location of the space and the amenities nearby, such as the proximity to a student’s academic area. If the student has to travel five or more minutes to an appropriate space, the break time may need to be longer.
- The availability of a sink for washing pump parts and the location of refrigerator or personal storage for the milk. Both of these factors will affect the length of break a student will need to express milk.
A lactating student should not be required to use regular break time for lactation, rather than other regular break needs of all students, such as snacking, resting and using the restroom. During longer classes or activities, a student may need lactation breaks in addition to other regular breaks available to all students. Faculty should allow lactating students to extend regular breaks for reasonable lactation time, if needed, or to take additional breaks for lactation.
VCU has dedicated lactation spaces that can be found under the Family Resources “Lactation Rooms” section of the website. Student Affairs also has information listed on their Lactation Rooms webpage.
For academic support, students should contact their individual faculty members regarding any course-specific modifications that may be needed. If additional assistance is needed, students may contact the Dean of Students office.
The Title IX office is also available for consultation.