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Appendix P NURSING MOTHERS IN THE WORKPLACE

In accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) (2010), Wittenberg reaffirms its commitment to the care and support for a diverse community of faculty and staff by providing for the health and well-being of nursing mothers in the workplace.

Upon return to work after the birth of a child, nursing mothers are allowed a flexible schedule that will provide reasonable time to express milk during work hours. Furthermore, nursing mothers are entitled to the use of a private space with a lock on the door other than a bathroom or storage area. The nursing mother and her supervisor or department chair are responsible for jointly identifying such a space. A faculty or staff member’s own private office is one alternative. If a space cannot be identified, the faculty or staff member should contact the Human Resources Department and an area will be temporarily converted into an appropriate space or made available when needed by the nursing mother.

Staff are expected to use the paid 10-15 minute break period each morning and each afternoon that is permitted by the university and may use additional time if necessary. If a staff member needs a break beyond the paid 10-15 minute break period or lunch break, she is entitled to an unpaid break and may make that time up at the beginning or end of the day. A staff member should notify her supervisor of her needs, and the supervisor is expected to work cooperatively to arrange appropriate and reasonable break times or flexible scheduling for the nursing mother to express milk.

It is incumbent upon department chairs and supervisors to assist in providing a positive atmosphere of support for nursing mothers. Wittenberg prohibits discrimination and harassment of employees who exercise their rights under this policy. Fall 2010