UH Provides Lactation Rooms for Moms on Campus

The Women�s Resource Center is pleased to be working with University Services to expand the number of lactation rooms across campus.

Today�s women are multi-tasking, combining motherhood with work or pursuing their education. Having lactation rooms available across campus assists students, staff, and faculty who would like to breastfeed their babies while returning to their normal activities.

We are pleased to provide a new map that lists all of the lactation rooms across campus. We would also like to add more locations for lactation spaces for mothers at UH. Although space is tight, the need is great.

If you would like to add your building or department to our list of available spaces, please contact Women�s Resource Center Director, Beverly McPhail at (713) 743-8156 or bmcphail@uh.edu. A potential lactation space requires a private small room with a lock for privacy (space as small as 4� by 5� could suffice), a comfortable chair, a table, and an electrical outlet. Running water and a refrigerator close by is a plus.

Here are some important facts you should know:

� 2005 Data from the Department of Labor show that 60 percent of women work outside of the home and mothers are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. workforce.

� 55 percent of mothers with children under the age of three are employed.

� Breastfeeding is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Association of Women�s Health, and the American Dietetic Association.

� Breastfeeding is good for babies, reducing ear and respiratory infections, dermatitis, and gastrointestinal disorders.

� Breastfed infants in child care require significantly fewer antibiotics than other children in child care.

� Breastfeeding allows mothers to recover more quickly from child birth, and is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis.

� Breastfeeding is associated with lower absenteeism rates, lower turnover rates, and lower health care costs (Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008).