Understanding Lactation Policies and Resources Across a University System: Survey & Document Review

Abstract

Abstract Background: In the U.S., working women often return to work within 8-12 weeks of giving birth, therefore, it is critical that workplaces provide support for female employees combining breastfeeding and work. The Affordable Care Act requires any organization with more than 50 employees to provide a space other than a restroom for women to express breastmilk and a reasonable amount of time during the workday for women to express breastmilk. States and worksites differ in the implementation of ACA requirements and may or may not provide additional supports for female employees combining breastfeeding and work. The purpose of this study was to conduct an analysis of 26 institutions within a state university system to evaluate the differences in breastfeeding policies and resources available on each campus. Methods: Survey data was collected from well-being liaisons in the human resources departments at each institution. In addition, we conducted a document review of policies and online materials at each institution. We used univariate statistics to summarize survey results while a thematic analysis was used to analyze institutional resources available on websites and in policies provided by the liaisons. Results: A total of 18 (65.3%) liaisons participated in the study and revealed an overall lack of familiarity with the policies in place and inconsistencies in the resources offered to breastfeeding employees across the university system. Only half of the participating liaisons reported a formal breastfeeding policy was in place on their campus. From the document review six major themes were identified: placing the burden on female employees, describing pregnancy or postpartum as “disability,” having a university specific policy, inclusion of break times for breastfeeding, supervisor responsibility, and information on lactation policies. Conclusion: The review of each institutions online resources confirmed the survey findings and highlighted the burden placed on female employees to discover the available resources and advocate for their needs. This paper provides insight into how institutions support breastfeeding employees and provides implications on strategies to develop policies at universities to improve breastfeeding access for working mothers.