The University recognizes and respects the need to accommodate breastfeeding parents who choose to express milk while at Cornell. There are forty-two spaces located across campus designated to express or pump breastmilk. These spaces vary in terms of accommodations. Most rooms are locked and require either a key or an access card. The online directory provides updated information and contact information for more information – Lactation Rooms at Cornell website. If you need space to pump in a building that does not have a designated space, contact Work/Life at worklife@cornell.edu or (607) 255-1917.
Expectant mothers in their last 6 weeks of pregnancy can purchase a permit for the parking area closest to their place of work or classes.
Nursing mothers may purchase a permit, valid for 12 weeks, to park more conveniently. This permit accommodation may be renewed one time for another 12 weeks. Prices vary depending on parking location. More information on parking for nursing mothers.
In addition, Work/Life offers the Preparing for Baby Series in the Fall and Spring semesters. The series covers topics such as pregnancy, prenatal care, and breastfeeding. Contact worklife@cornell.edu or (607) 255-5298.
Graduate School Helps to Improve Lactation Rooms On Campus, posted in Fall 2017
With the number of breastfeeding faculty, staff, students, and visitors increasing every year, Cornell needed a plan to manage the 39 designated lactation spaces around campus.
Last year, Cornell’s Human Resources secured a $7,000 grant from the President’s Council for Cornell Women (PCCW) that helped to develop a campus-wide master plan ensuring that all mothers across campus will have access to appropriate lactation facilities nearby.
To better meet the needs of graduate and professional students, the Graduate School provided additional resources to increase the scope and develop a more comprehensive Lactation Room Improvement Project.
“Student mothers who are balancing academic and breastfeeding goals have unique needs that are important to address. The Graduate School eagerly supported this project because of the direct impact appropriate lactation accommodations can have on both of these goals,” said Janna Lamey, assistant dean for graduate student life at the Graduate School and chair of the Students with Families Advisory Committee.
Michelle Artibee, project lead and member of the Students with Families Advisory Committee, explained that the PCCW grant and additional resources from the Graduate School and Infrastructure, Properties, and Planning made it possible to create four new rooms, while 13 others improved or expanded their amenities, such as comfortable and easy to clean seating, mini refrigerators, sound machines, lamps, tables, mirrors, and bulletin boards. Many rooms were also in need of improvements such as signage, paint, flooring, and paper towel dispensers.
“We continue to look for ways to enhance the quality of life for parents and newborns,” Artibee said.
Read about the Lactation Improvement Project in the Cornell Chronicle.