© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. Revised 2019

Best Practices page 1 of 2

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. BP 10.05.10

The AIA collects and disseminates Best Practices as a service to AIA members without endorsement or recommendation. Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.

SUMMARY Mothers returning to the workplace after childbirth are incredibly driven to provide for their new babies but also to be productive members of the workforce. Companies that provide lactation rooms in the workplace help these employees achieve both of these goals. Following the design guidelines given here will yield a lactation room that is easy to use and offers comfort and respect to mothers.

BACKGROUND The influx of women in the workplace starting in the 1960s was partly attributable to the development of infant formula. Formula gives mothers of newborn babies added freedom to return to work after childbirth.

However, in the past 40 years, research findings overwhelmingly in favor of breast milk over formula have instigated a marked increase in the number of mothers choosing to nurse their children for the first year of life or longer. The dramatic health benefits for infant and mother have influenced these mothers to dedicate long and tedious hours to pumping and storing breast milk when they are not with their babies. Many of these mothers return to work after just 6 to 12 weeks, and they need a dedicated place where they can comfortably and efficiently collect and store breast milk in the workplace.

ROOM REQUIREMENTS Several times a day, a nursing mother needs to retreat to a quiet, closed room to collect expressed milk. She needs a calm restful environment with all the required elements for an efficient and safe pumping session.

A typical pumping session includes changing clothes, sitting at a desk in front of a pump for 15 to 30 minutes, placing milk in storage bottles, washing bottles and pump parts and packing them away until the next pumping session, and redressing and returning to work. At the end of the session, the pumped milk must be stored in a refrigerator or cooler. In an eight-hour work day two or three pumping sessions are normal.

Other considerations for lactation rooms, or mothers’ rooms, include the need for actual and perceived privacy. Pumps can be noisy so sound dampening is important to

achieve auditory comfort in and around the space. Walls, doors, and locks must be substantial and provide a good sense of security.

Lactation rooms should provide, at a minimum, a lockable door; a work surface and chair; a small utility-type sink; storage for cleaning supplies and paper towels; adequate HVAC service, including a thermostat; and well-placed electrical outlets. Telephone service and network connections for the room are also recommended to increase worker safety and productivity. Accessibility guidelines should be met for all the features of the room.

Size A minimum footprint of 7 feet by 7 feet is recommended as it allows for a 5-foot radius circle with 24-inch deep counters on two walls. Other configurations such as 10 feet by 5 feet work well, too.

Location Mothers’ rooms should be located in a safe area accessible to all. They should not be located in areas that would not be suitable for the preparation and storage of food.

Privacy Install a user-operated deadbolt for privacy. The best locks are indicator dead bolts that display an “occupied” message to discourage interruptions.

Sound Privacy Walls should reach up to the structure above to minimize sound transmission over them into adjacent spaces. Install sound attenuation in walls to minimize sound transmission. Install fabric panels, curtains, carpeting, or other sound-dampening materials to minimize echoes.

Chair Provide a task chair suitable for a workstation. Seat, back, armrest, lumbar, tension, and height adjustments are preferable. Casters are also important to allow the user freedom of movement when hands are occupied with bottles of milk and pump parts.

Table/Counter Provide a minimum 20-inch deep by 30-inch wide plastic laminate or solid work surface for the pump and bottles to rest on in front of the task chair. Provide a 30-inch wide

Lactation Room Design Contributed by Liz York, AIA

SUMMARYMothers returning to the workplace after childbirth face challenges to express medically beneficial breastmilk while also reentering the workforce. Companies that provide lactation rooms in the workplace help these employees achieve both of these goals. Public facilities increasingly provide Lactation and Mothers' rooms for nursing due to growing demand. Following the design guidelines given here will yield a room layout that is easy to use and offers comfort and respect to mothers.

BACKGROUNDThe influx of women in the workplace starting in the 1960s was partly attributable to the development of infant formula. Formula gives mothers of newborn added freedom to return to work after childbirth. However, in the past 50 years, research findings overwhelmingly in favor of breast milk over formula have instigated a marked increase in the number of mothers choosing to nurse their children for the first year of life or longer. The dramatic health benefits for infant and mother have influenced these mothers to dedicate long hours to pumping and storing breast milk when they are not with their babies. Many of these mothers return to work after just 6 to 12 weeks, and they need a dedicated place where they can comfortably and efficiently collect and store breast milk in the workplace. Some lactation rooms may also be used for wellness purposes that incorporate other functions in addition to lactation support. Design considerations outlined here are primarily designed around lactation needs, but other medical needs may also be well served by these facilities.

ROOM REQUIREMENTSSeveral times a day, a nursing mother needs a quiet, enclosed room to collect expressed milk. She needs a calm restful environment for an efficient and safe pumping session.

A typical pumping session includes changing clothes, sitting at a work surface in front of a pump for 15 to 30 minutes, placing milk in storage bottles, washing bottles and pump parts and packing them away until the next pumping session, and redressing and returning to work. At the end of the session, the pumped milk must be stored in a refrigerator or cooler. In an eight-hour work day two or three pumping sessions are normal.

Other considerations for Lactation rooms, Mothers’ rooms, or Wellness rooms include the need for actual and perceived privacy. Working mothers experience a level of stress from newborn babies, transitioning work and family life. In addition, equipment such as pumps can be noisy so sound dampening is

important to achieve auditory comfort in and around the space. Walls, doors, and locks must be substantial and provide a good sense of security. Particularly in public access facilities, such as airports, conference centers, libraries, museums, college campuses, shopping malls, and hotels, nursing mothers need a calm environment to breastfeed their babies and a secure space where their belongings, such as a stroller, can be accommodated.

Wellness rooms should provide, at a minimum, a lockable door; a work surface and chair; a small utility-type sink; storage for cleaning supplies and paper towels; adequate HVAC service, and well-placed electrical outlets. A refrigerator is desired in the workplace. Accessibility guidelines should be met for all the features of the room. The sample vignettes provide the space for pumping milk as well as breastfeeding.

RECOMMENDATIONS

SizeA minimum footprint of 7 feet by 7 feet is recommended as it allows for a 5-foot radius circle with a 24-inch deep counter. Other configurations such as 10 feet by 5 feet work well in offices and public facing facilities where more mothers are likely to be breastfeeding their babies.

LocationEach building should include a minimum of one Wellness room. As a rule of thumb, a ratio of one room for every 100 female occupants is recommended. Wellness rooms should be located in a safe area accessible to all. They should not be located in areas that would not be suitable for the preparation and storage of food.

PrivacyInstall a user-operated lock with an indicator for privacy. The best locks include an indicator that displays an “occupied” message to discourage interruptions and still allows one hand operation for exiting the room in the case of emergency.

Sound PrivacyWalls should ideally reach up to the structure or install sound attenuation in walls to minimize sound transmission (i.e. minimum STC 45) over them into adjacent spaces. Carpeting or other sound-dampening materials to minimize echoes is recommended.

Lactation/Wellness Room Design

The AIA collects and disseminates Best Practices as a service to AIA members without endorsement or recommendation. Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. Revised 2019

RESOURCEShttp://www.llli.org/https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/promotion/research.htmhttp://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/employer-solutions/nursing-moms.html

For More Information on This TopicSee also the 14th edition of theHandbook, which can be ordered fromthe AIA Store by calling 800-242-3837(option 4) or by email atbookstore@aia.org.

See also “Design Phases” beginningon page 654 of the 15th Edition ofthe Architect’s Handbook ofProfessional Practice. TheHandbook can be ordered from theAIA Store online atwww.aia.org/store, by calling 800-242-3837 (option 4), or by email atbookstore@aia.org.

FeedbackThe AIA welcomes member feedback on Best Practicearticles. To provide feedback on this article, pleasecontact bestpractices@aia.orgQuestions on design of lactation room, please contact lby8@cdc.gov or info@indigoJLD.com

Key TermsDesignUse designAccessibilityUniversal design

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORSLiz York FAIA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Ms. York is the Chief Sustainability Officer of the CDC and is a mother of three

Joyce Lee FAIA, IndigoJLD, University of Pennsylvania, CPHI & Urban Health Lab

Ms. Lee is the President of IndigoJLD Green Health and former Chief Architect of NYC OMB.

The authors would like to thank the advisory committee:

Jane Kaufman, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Amy Spangler of

baby gooroo, Amanda Higgins, General Services Administration, Mara Baum of

HOK, Melissa Walker, Hilton Hotels, Kristen Suzda, Wallace Roberts & Todd.

Design assistance is provided by Yubei Huang and Tong Niu from PennDesign at

the University of Pennsylvania.

Best Practices page 1 of 2

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. BP 10.05.10

The AIA collects and disseminates Best Practices as a service to AIA members without endorsement or recommendation. Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.

SUMMARY Mothers returning to the workplace after childbirth are incredibly driven to provide for their new babies but also to be productive members of the workforce. Companies that provide lactation rooms in the workplace help these employees achieve both of these goals. Following the design guidelines given here will yield a lactation room that is easy to use and offers comfort and respect to mothers.

BACKGROUND The influx of women in the workplace starting in the 1960s was partly attributable to the development of infant formula. Formula gives mothers of newborn babies added freedom to return to work after childbirth.

However, in the past 40 years, research findings overwhelmingly in favor of breast milk over formula have instigated a marked increase in the number of mothers choosing to nurse their children for the first year of life or longer. The dramatic health benefits for infant and mother have influenced these mothers to dedicate long and tedious hours to pumping and storing breast milk when they are not with their babies. Many of these mothers return to work after just 6 to 12 weeks, and they need a dedicated place where they can comfortably and efficiently collect and store breast milk in the workplace.

ROOM REQUIREMENTS Several times a day, a nursing mother needs to retreat to a quiet, closed room to collect expressed milk. She needs a calm restful environment with all the required elements for an efficient and safe pumping session.

A typical pumping session includes changing clothes, sitting at a desk in front of a pump for 15 to 30 minutes, placing milk in storage bottles, washing bottles and pump parts and packing them away until the next pumping session, and redressing and returning to work. At the end of the session, the pumped milk must be stored in a refrigerator or cooler. In an eight-hour work day two or three pumping sessions are normal.

Other considerations for lactation rooms, or mothers’ rooms, include the need for actual and perceived privacy. Pumps can be noisy so sound dampening is important to

achieve auditory comfort in and around the space. Walls, doors, and locks must be substantial and provide a good sense of security.

Lactation rooms should provide, at a minimum, a lockable door; a work surface and chair; a small utility-type sink; storage for cleaning supplies and paper towels; adequate HVAC service, including a thermostat; and well-placed electrical outlets. Telephone service and network connections for the room are also recommended to increase worker safety and productivity. Accessibility guidelines should be met for all the features of the room.

Size A minimum footprint of 7 feet by 7 feet is recommended as it allows for a 5-foot radius circle with 24-inch deep counters on two walls. Other configurations such as 10 feet by 5 feet work well, too.

Location Mothers’ rooms should be located in a safe area accessible to all. They should not be located in areas that would not be suitable for the preparation and storage of food.

Privacy Install a user-operated deadbolt for privacy. The best locks are indicator dead bolts that display an “occupied” message to discourage interruptions.

Sound Privacy Walls should reach up to the structure above to minimize sound transmission over them into adjacent spaces. Install sound attenuation in walls to minimize sound transmission. Install fabric panels, curtains, carpeting, or other sound-dampening materials to minimize echoes.

Chair Provide a task chair suitable for a workstation. Seat, back, armrest, lumbar, tension, and height adjustments are preferable. Casters are also important to allow the user freedom of movement when hands are occupied with bottles of milk and pump parts.

Table/Counter Provide a minimum 20-inch deep by 30-inch wide plastic laminate or solid work surface for the pump and bottles to rest on in front of the task chair. Provide a 30-inch wide

Lactation Room Design Contributed by Liz York, AIA

ChairProvide a task chair suitable for a workstation. Fabric or material designed for easy cleaning or wiping is recommended.Seat, back, armrest, lumbar, tension, and height adjustments are preferable. Casters are also important to allow the user freedom of movement when hands are occupied with bottles of milk and pump parts. A more comfortable chair could also be placed in the room if mothers frequently use the room to breastfeed their babies.

Table/CounterProvide a minimum 18-inch deep by 32-inch wide laminate or solid work surface at desk height for the pump and bottles to rest on in front of the chair. The surface should be easily cleaned or wiped down for the next user. Provide clear knee space beneath the counter. Electrical outlets above the work surface should be provided for the pump and accessories.

SinkProvide a sink and faucet combination deep enough to wash bottles and pump parts. Goose neck or kitchen type faucets are recommended. If possible, locate the sink adjacent to the work area and provide towel and soap dispenser nearby.

Lighting and HVACUniform ambient light is encouraged to provide a restful and soothing environment. Task lighting should be provided over the sink and the pump area. Room temperature should be maintained year-round at a comfortably warm level such as in a dressing room. A thermostat in the room could increase user control and thermal comfort.

Milk StorageInstall a midsize or compact refrigerator for milk storage in the workplace. Under-counter models help conserve floor space but should not take up the knee space beneath the work area. Refrigerators are not needed in public facing facilities where use is more transient. Rooms that are sized to accommodate more than one user may require a mid-sized or a large refrigerator, depending on frequency of use.

AccessoriesUseful accessories in a Wellness room include a trash can, a paper towel dispenser, a coat rack or coat hooks, and a full-length mirror. Educational information for nursing mothers can be put on a bulletin board. Storage space for pumping supplies is recommended in office environmentvs where users visit the room on a regular basis. Accessories should add to a calming environment and soothing wall color palette. If many mothers will be sharing the room, installing a scheduling system or communication board outside the door could facilitate efficient use of the room.

For More Information on This TopicSee also the 14th edition of theHandbook, which can be ordered fromthe AIA Store by calling 800-242-3837(option 4) or by email atbookstore@aia.org.

See also “Design Phases” beginningon page 654 of the 15th Edition ofthe Architect’s Handbook ofProfessional Practice. TheHandbook can be ordered from theAIA Store online atwww.aia.org/store, by calling 800-242-3837 (option 4), or by email atbookstore@aia.org.

FeedbackThe AIA welcomes member feedback on Best Practicearticles. To provide feedback on this article, pleasecontact bestpractices@aia.org.

Key TermsDesign

Use design

Accessibility

Universal design

Summer 2016

Best Practices page 1 of 2

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. BP 10.05.10

The AIA collects and disseminates Best Practices as a service to AIA members without endorsement or recommendation. Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.

SUMMARY Mothers returning to the workplace after childbirth are incredibly driven to provide for their new babies but also to be productive members of the workforce. Companies that provide lactation rooms in the workplace help these employees achieve both of these goals. Following the design guidelines given here will yield a lactation room that is easy to use and offers comfort and respect to mothers.

BACKGROUND The influx of women in the workplace starting in the 1960s was partly attributable to the development of infant formula. Formula gives mothers of newborn babies added freedom to return to work after childbirth.

However, in the past 40 years, research findings overwhelmingly in favor of breast milk over formula have instigated a marked increase in the number of mothers choosing to nurse their children for the first year of life or longer. The dramatic health benefits for infant and mother have influenced these mothers to dedicate long and tedious hours to pumping and storing breast milk when they are not with their babies. Many of these mothers return to work after just 6 to 12 weeks, and they need a dedicated place where they can comfortably and efficiently collect and store breast milk in the workplace.

ROOM REQUIREMENTS Several times a day, a nursing mother needs to retreat to a quiet, closed room to collect expressed milk. She needs a calm restful environment with all the required elements for an efficient and safe pumping session.

A typical pumping session includes changing clothes, sitting at a desk in front of a pump for 15 to 30 minutes, placing milk in storage bottles, washing bottles and pump parts and packing them away until the next pumping session, and redressing and returning to work. At the end of the session, the pumped milk must be stored in a refrigerator or cooler. In an eight-hour work day two or three pumping sessions are normal.

Other considerations for lactation rooms, or mothers’ rooms, include the need for actual and perceived privacy. Pumps can be noisy so sound dampening is important to

achieve auditory comfort in and around the space. Walls, doors, and locks must be substantial and provide a good sense of security.

Lactation rooms should provide, at a minimum, a lockable door; a work surface and chair; a small utility-type sink; storage for cleaning supplies and paper towels; adequate HVAC service, including a thermostat; and well-placed electrical outlets. Telephone service and network connections for the room are also recommended to increase worker safety and productivity. Accessibility guidelines should be met for all the features of the room.

Size A minimum footprint of 7 feet by 7 feet is recommended as it allows for a 5-foot radius circle with 24-inch deep counters on two walls. Other configurations such as 10 feet by 5 feet work well, too.

Location Mothers’ rooms should be located in a safe area accessible to all. They should not be located in areas that would not be suitable for the preparation and storage of food.

Privacy Install a user-operated deadbolt for privacy. The best locks are indicator dead bolts that display an “occupied” message to discourage interruptions.

Sound Privacy Walls should reach up to the structure above to minimize sound transmission over them into adjacent spaces. Install sound attenuation in walls to minimize sound transmission. Install fabric panels, curtains, carpeting, or other sound-dampening materials to minimize echoes.

Chair Provide a task chair suitable for a workstation. Seat, back, armrest, lumbar, tension, and height adjustments are preferable. Casters are also important to allow the user freedom of movement when hands are occupied with bottles of milk and pump parts.

Table/Counter Provide a minimum 20-inch deep by 30-inch wide plastic laminate or solid work surface for the pump and bottles to rest on in front of the task chair. Provide a 30-inch wide

Lactation Room Design Contributed by Liz York, AIA

clear knee space beneath the counter. Provide abovecounter outlets at the work area. If a telephone isprovided, it should be within easy reach of the work area.

SinkProvide a sink and faucet combination deep enough towash bottles and pump parts. Goose neck or kitchen typefaucets are recommended. If possible, locate the sinkadjacent to the work area.

Lighting and HVACTask lighting should be provided over the sink and thework area. Overhead lighting is also appropriate if lightlevels at the work surfaces are adequate. Temperatureshould be maintained year-round at a comfortably warmlevel such as in a dressing room. Install a thermostat inthe room to increase user control and thermal comfort.

Milk StorageInstall a midsize or compact refrigerator for milk storage.Under-counter models help conserve floor space butshould not take up the knee space beneath the work area.

AccessoriesUseful accessories in a mothers’ room include a trash can,a paper towel dispenser, a coat rack or coat hooks, a fulllengthmirror, a magazine rack, and a bulletin board. Ifmany mothers will be sharing the room, installing aclipboard or bulletin board outside the door will helpschedule room use.

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORLiz York FAIA, Joyce Lee FAIA

RESOURCESMore Best PracticesThe following AIA Best Practices provide additionalinformation related to this topic:

10.05.08 Ventilation for Durability in Residential Design10.05.33 Resource Review: Green Guide for Health Care

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. BP 10.05.10

See following pages for: samples, diagrams and vigneetes.

Best Practices page 2 of 2

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. BP 10.05.10

clear knee space beneath the counter. Provide above counter outlets at the work area. If a telephone is provided, it should be within easy reach of the work area.

Sink Provide a sink and faucet combination deep enough to wash bottles and pump parts. Goose neck or kitchen type faucets are recommended. If possible, locate the sink adjacent to the work area.

Lighting and HVAC Task lighting should be provided over the sink and the work area. Overhead lighting is also appropriate if light levels at the work surfaces are adequate. Temperature should be maintained year-round at a comfortably warm level such as in a dressing room. Install a thermostat in the room to increase user control and thermal comfort.

Milk Storage Install a midsize or compact refrigerator for milk storage. Under-counter models help conserve floor space but should not take up the knee space beneath the work area.

Accessories Useful accessories in a mothers’ room include a trash can, a paper towel dispenser, a coat rack or coat hooks, a full-length mirror, a magazine rack, and a bulletin board. If many mothers will be sharing the room, installing a clipboard or bulletin board outside the door will help schedule room use.

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR Liz York, AIA, is a mother of three and project architect in Atlanta. She may be contacted at lby8@cdc.gov.

RESOURCES More Best Practices The following AIA Best Practices provide additional information related to this topic:

10.05.08 Ventilation for Durability in Residential Design

10.05.33 Resource Review: Green Guide for Health Care

For More Information on This Topic See also the 14th edition of the Handbook, which can be ordered from the AIA Store by calling 800-242-3837 (option 4) or by email at bookstore@aia.org.

See also “Design Phases” beginning on page 654 of the 15th Edition of the Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice. The Handbook can be ordered from the AIA Store online at www.aia.org/store, by calling 800-242-3837 (option 4), or by email at bookstore@aia.org.

Feedback The AIA welcomes member feedback on Best Practice articles. To provide feedback on this article, please contact bestpractices@aia.org.

Key Terms Design

Use design

Accessibility

Universal design

February 2008

See following pages for: sample diagram and vignettes.

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. Revised 2019

1-1 plan

1-2 perspective

1-3 perspective

Workplace Sample Layout7'x7' Wellness Room Unit

1. task chair2. counter (fridge underneath)3. counter for pump4. sink (cold and hot water dispenser)5. tilt mirror6. paper towel dispenser (trash can underneath)7. electrical outlet (above the counter)8. coat hooks9. door for privacy

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INDIGOJLDgreen + health

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. Revised 2019

2-2 perspective

2-3 perspective

2-1 plan

Public Facility Sample Layout10'x5' Wellness Room Unit

1. chair2. coat hooks3. baby changing table4. paper towel dispenser (trash can underneath)5. sink (cold and hot water dispenser)6. stroller storage7. electrical outlet (above the counter)8. counter for pump9. door for privacy

10. full length mirror (at back of the door)

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1.coach2.coat hanger3.pump4.folded diaper changing table5.hand dryer(trashcan underneath)6.sink(cold and hot water)7.tiltable mirror8.frige underneath9.sterilizer10.stroller11.electrical outlet12.acoustic door

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INDIGOJLDgreen + health

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. Revised 2019

3-1 plan 3-2 perspective

3-3 perspective

Double-Unit Sample Layout10'x12' Wellness Room Unit

1. task chair2. nursing chair3. coat hooks4. counter for pump5. towel dispenser (trash can underneath)6. sink (cold and hot water dispenser)7. tilt mirror8. cabinet or storage9. electrical outlet (above the counter)

10. counter (fridge underneath)11. door for privacy

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INDIGOJLDgreen + health

Revised 2019

RESPONDING TO THE SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE

With drinking water quality issues in parts of the world, breastfeeding emerges as a more sustainable infant feeding standard than formula. In an era of measuring vehicle miles traveled as a metric, formula production and transportation add significantly to the carbon footprint that could be substantially eliminated through breastfeeding. Reinforcing sustainable community development, solid waste reduction associated with diminishing formula purchase is both a community and financial benefit.

EXPANDED RESEARCH FINDINGS

Breastfed infants have lower rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, acute ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, lower respiratory infections, celiac disease, allergies, eczema, and leukemia. Furthermore, breastfeeding is believed to have long term effects reducing the risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and asthma. For women, breastfeeding has health benefits including reduced rates of breast and ovarian cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. It also promotes healthy pregnancy spacing, which reduces health risks for subsequent children.

CLARIFICATIONS

While a minimum of 1 space per 100 women or 200 employees (male or female) is a general rule of thumb recommendation for Wellness Room programming, the number of rooms within a building should consider staff and visitor demographics and expected frequency of use. It is recommended that no more than 4 women per day be expected to share one lactation unit.

Sound-dampening materials including curtains, rug and art, are recommended to minimize echoes where appropriate. Wall-to-wall carpeting is not recommended beneath chairs,preparation surfaces or along the path of wheelchair use. However cork, linoleum, and low-pile, easy-to-clean carpet tile may be acceptable for this application. Ease of maintenance is a consideration in high use areas.

For women who wish to pump in their own office, do-not-disturb door signs with the international symbol for lactation can be offered. Graphic samples are provided in this addendum.

Striving to enhance indoor environmental quality, we encourage a material vetting and selection process that addresses health and toxicity issues for furnishings, cabinetry, and counters as

well as materials including adhesives, sealants, and coatings. A screening process for maintenance and cleaning products is also encouraged. A white paper from the AIA is here for reference.

MULTI-UNITS ROOMS

Depending on the size of the organization, there may be a needfor a multi-station lactation suite. A multi-station lactation suiteis a group of stations. A suite concept may encourage a nursing mother community, enhancing support for nursing mothers, as well as reducing wait times and scheduling conflicts. On-demand access to lactation suites through multi-station suites may be particularly important for women with unpredictable schedules or restricted break times. While suite rooms are encouraged in some large offices and institutions, a decentralized setting can also be considered in a campus setting. An indoor walking route of no more than 5-7 minutes from desk to pump is ideal as both long routes and outdoor routes discourage use. Employers should furthermore consider furnishing hospital grade pumps, to minimize time required and reduce the burden of transporting personal pumps.

Some mothers prefer to multitask during pumping sessions. We recommend a minimum of 30 foot candles in each of the units. In places where employees multitask, surfaces suitable for laptops or phones should be available along with normal officeconnectivity and/or Wi-Fi capabilities. Additional convenient counter height outlets may be necessary. We have created multi-station sample drawings responding to the needs of mothers.

Lactation/Wellness Room Addendum

We thank all those who responded to the AIA Best Practice Design Guidance (Summer 2016) document. With additional research and feedback we are in a position to share the addendum as follows:

Best Practices page 1 of 2

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. BP 10.05.10

The AIA collects and disseminates Best Practices as a service to AIA members without endorsement or recommendation.Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.

SUMMARYMothers returning to the workplace after childbirth are incredibly driven to provide for their new babiesbut also to be productive members of the workforce.Companies that provide lactation rooms in the workplace help these employees achieve both ofthese goals. Following the design guidelines given here will yield a lactation room that is easy to use and offers comfort and respect to mothers.

BACKGROUNDThe influx of women in the workplace starting in the1960s was partly attributable to the development of infant formula. Formula gives mothers of newborn babies added freedom to return to work after childbirth.

However, in the past 40 years, research findings overwhelmingly in favor of breast milk over formula have instigated a marked increase in the number of motherschoosing to nurse their children for the first year of life or longer. The dramatic health benefits for infant and motherhave influenced these mothers to dedicate long andtedious hours to pumping and storing breast milk whenthey are not with their babies. Many of these mothers return to work after just 6 to 12 weeks, and they need a dedicated place where they can comfortably andefficiently collect and store breast milk in the workplace.

ROOM REQUIREMENTSSeveral times a day, a nursing mother needs to retreat to aquiet, closed room to collect expressed milk. She needs acalm restful environment with all the required elements for an efficient and safe pumping session.

A typical pumping session includes changing clothes, sitting at a desk in front of a pump for 15 to 30 minutes,placing milk in storage bottles, washing bottles and pumpparts and packing them away until the next pumpingsession, and redressing and returning to work. At the endof the session, the pumped milk must be stored in arefrigerator or cooler. In an eight-hour work day two orthree pumping sessions are normal.

Other considerations for lactation rooms, or mothers’ rooms, include the need for actual and perceived privacy.Pumps can be noisy so sound dampening is important to

achieve auditory comfort in and around the space. Walls, doors, and locks must be substantial and provide a good sense of security.

Lactation rooms should provide, at a minimum, a lockabledoor; a work surface and chair; a small utility-type sink;storage for cleaning supplies and paper towels; adequateHVAC service, including a thermostat; and well-placedelectrical outlets. Telephone service and networkconnections for the room are also recommended toincrease worker safety and productivity. Accessibilityguidelines should be met for all the features of the room.

SizeA minimum footprint of 7 feet by 7 feet is recommendedas it allows for a 5-foot radius circle with 24-inch deepcounters on two walls. Other configurations such as 10feet by 5 feet work well, too.

LocationMothers’ rooms should be located in a safe areaaccessible to all. They should not be located in areas that would not be suitable for the preparation and storage offood.

PrivacyInstall a user-operated deadbolt for privacy. The best locks are indicator dead bolts that display an “occupied” message to discourage interruptions.

Sound PrivacyWalls should reach up to the structure above to minimizesound transmission over them into adjacent spaces. Installsound attenuation in walls to minimize soundtransmission. Install fabric panels, curtains, carpeting, or other sound-dampening materials to minimize echoes.

ChairProvide a task chair suitable for a workstation. Seat, back,armrest, lumbar, tension, and height adjustments arepreferable. Casters are also important to allow the user freedom of movement when hands are occupied with bottles of milk and pump parts.

Table/CounterProvide a minimum 20-inch deep by 30-inch wide plasticlaminate or solid work surface for the pump and bottles torest on in front of the task chair. Provide a 30-inch wide

Lactation Room DesignContributed by Liz York, AIA

WELLNESS

INDIGOJLDgreen + health

Revised 2019

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Amanda Higgins, General Services Administration; Jane Kaufman (retired), University of North Carolina; Diane Spatz, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing; Mara Baum, HOK; Amy Spangler, babygooroo; Kristen Suzda, WRT; Melissa Walker, Hilton Hotels

AUTHORS

Joyce Lee, FAIA, IndigoJLD Green Health;Penn Urban Health LabLiz York, FAIA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

TEAM

Aidan Ganzert, ORISE FellowYubei Huang, University of Pennsylvania School of DesignTong Niu, University of Pennsylvania School of Design

Best Practices page 1 of 2

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. BP 10.05.10

The AIA collects and disseminates Best Practices as a service to AIA members without endorsement or recommendation.Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.

SUMMARYMothers returning to the workplace after childbirth are incredibly driven to provide for their new babiesbut also to be productive members of the workforce.Companies that provide lactation rooms in the workplace help these employees achieve both ofthese goals. Following the design guidelines given here will yield a lactation room that is easy to use and offers comfort and respect to mothers.

BACKGROUNDThe influx of women in the workplace starting in the1960s was partly attributable to the development of infant formula. Formula gives mothers of newborn babies added freedom to return to work after childbirth.

However, in the past 40 years, research findings overwhelmingly in favor of breast milk over formula have instigated a marked increase in the number of motherschoosing to nurse their children for the first year of life or longer. The dramatic health benefits for infant and motherhave influenced these mothers to dedicate long andtedious hours to pumping and storing breast milk whenthey are not with their babies. Many of these mothers return to work after just 6 to 12 weeks, and they need a dedicated place where they can comfortably andefficiently collect and store breast milk in the workplace.

ROOM REQUIREMENTSSeveral times a day, a nursing mother needs to retreat to aquiet, closed room to collect expressed milk. She needs acalm restful environment with all the required elements for an efficient and safe pumping session.

A typical pumping session includes changing clothes, sitting at a desk in front of a pump for 15 to 30 minutes,placing milk in storage bottles, washing bottles and pumpparts and packing them away until the next pumpingsession, and redressing and returning to work. At the endof the session, the pumped milk must be stored in arefrigerator or cooler. In an eight-hour work day two orthree pumping sessions are normal.

Other considerations for lactation rooms, or mothers’ rooms, include the need for actual and perceived privacy.Pumps can be noisy so sound dampening is important to

achieve auditory comfort in and around the space. Walls, doors, and locks must be substantial and provide a good sense of security.

Lactation rooms should provide, at a minimum, a lockabledoor; a work surface and chair; a small utility-type sink;storage for cleaning supplies and paper towels; adequateHVAC service, including a thermostat; and well-placedelectrical outlets. Telephone service and networkconnections for the room are also recommended toincrease worker safety and productivity. Accessibilityguidelines should be met for all the features of the room.

SizeA minimum footprint of 7 feet by 7 feet is recommendedas it allows for a 5-foot radius circle with 24-inch deepcounters on two walls. Other configurations such as 10feet by 5 feet work well, too.

LocationMothers’ rooms should be located in a safe areaaccessible to all. They should not be located in areas that would not be suitable for the preparation and storage offood.

PrivacyInstall a user-operated deadbolt for privacy. The best locks are indicator dead bolts that display an “occupied” message to discourage interruptions.

Sound PrivacyWalls should reach up to the structure above to minimizesound transmission over them into adjacent spaces. Installsound attenuation in walls to minimize soundtransmission. Install fabric panels, curtains, carpeting, or other sound-dampening materials to minimize echoes.

ChairProvide a task chair suitable for a workstation. Seat, back,armrest, lumbar, tension, and height adjustments arepreferable. Casters are also important to allow the user freedom of movement when hands are occupied with bottles of milk and pump parts.

Table/CounterProvide a minimum 20-inch deep by 30-inch wide plasticlaminate or solid work surface for the pump and bottles torest on in front of the task chair. Provide a 30-inch wide

Lactation Room DesignContributed by Liz York, AIA

RESOURCES

Henry-Moss D, “Recommendations for a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace at Penn Medicine”, (unpublished MPH Capstone report).University of Pennsylvania, 2017Eidelman AI, Schanler RJ, Johnston M, et al. Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics2012;129:E827-E41.Froh EB, Spatz DL. Navigating Return to Work and Breastfeeding in a Hospital with a ComprehensiveEmployee Lactation Program: The Voices of Mothers. J Hum Lact 2016;32:689-94.Louden L, Harrington M. Planning for Diversity, Charting New Territory. Planning for Higher Education Journal.V45N2 2017:16-24 C. Vitora, R. Bahl, et al. Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. The Lancet series: Breastfeeding 1, Lancet 2016; 387: 475–90N. Rollins, N. Bhandari et al. Why invest, and what it willtake to improve breastfeeding practices? The Lancet seriesBreastfeeding 2, Lancet 2016; 387: 491–504

WELLNESS

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