Best Practices page 1 of 2

Lactation/Wellness Room Design

Lactation Room Design
The AIAContributed
collects andby
disseminates Best Practices as a service to AIA members without endorsement or recommendation. Appropriate use
Liz York, AIA
of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.

The AIA collects and disseminates Best Practices as a service to AIA members without endorsement or recommendation.
SUMMARY
Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader. to achieve auditory comfort in and around the space.
important
Mothers returning to the workplace after childbirth face Walls, doors, and locks must be substantial and provide a good
SUMMARY
challenges to express medically beneficial breastmilk achieve
sense ofauditory comfort
security. in and around
Particularly the access
in public space. Walls,
facilities, such
doors, and locks must be substantial and provide a good
Mothers
while returning tothe
also reentering the workforce.
workplace after childbirththat
Companies as airports, conference centers, libraries, museums, college
sense of security.
are incredibly
provide lactationdriven
rooms to in
provide for their new
the workplace babies
help these campuses, shopping malls, and hotels, nursing mothers need a
but also to be productive members of the workforce
employees achieve both of these goals. Public facilities . calm environment
Lactation rooms shouldto breastfeed
provide, attheir babies and
a minimum, a secure space
a lockable
Companies that provide lactation rooms in the
increasingly provide Lactation and Mothers' rooms for door;
wherea work surface and such
their belongings, chair;asa asmall utility-type
stroller, sink;
can be accommodated.
workplace help these employees achieve both of storage for cleaning supplies and paper towels; adequate
nursing due to growing demand. Following the design
these goals. Following the design guidelines given HVAC service,
Wellness rooms including a thermostat;
should provide, and well-placed
at a minimum, a lockable door;
guidelines given here will yield a room layout that is electrical outlets. and
Telephone
here will yield a lactation room that is easy to use a work surface chair; aservice
small and networksink; storage for
utility-type
easyand
to use and offers comfort and respect to mothers.
offers comfort and respect to mothers. connections for the room
cleaning supplies are also
and paper recommended
towels; adequatetoHVAC service,
increase worker safety and productivity. Accessibility
and well-placed electrical outlets. A refrigerator is desired in the
BACKGROUND guidelines should be met for all the
workplace. Accessibility guidelines shouldfeatures of the room.
be met for all the
The BACKGROUND
influx of women in the workplace starting in the 1960s features of the room. The sample vignettes provide the space for
Size
was The influx
partly of womentointhe
attributable thedevelopment
workplace starting in the
of infant formula. pumping milk as well as breastfeeding.
1960sgives
Formula was partly
mothersattributable
of newborn to the development
added freedom toofreturn
infant to A minimum footprint of 7 feet by 7 feet is recommended
workformula. Formula gives
after childbirth. mothers
However, of newborn
in the babies research
past 50 years, added as it allows for a 5-foot radius circle with 24-inch deep
RECOMMENDATIONS
counters on two walls. Other configurations such as 10
freedom
findings to return to work
overwhelmingly after of
in favor childbirth.
breast milk over formula
feet by 5 feet work well, too.
haveHowever,
instigated in athe
marked
past 40increase in the number
years, research findings of mothers Size
choosing
overwhelmingly in favor of breast milk over year
to nurse their children for the first of life
formula haveor A minimum footprint of 7 feet by 7 feet is recommended as it
Location
longer.
instigated a marked increase in the number of mothers have
The dramatic health benefits for infant and mother allows for a 5-foot radius circleinwith a 24-inch deep counter.
Mothers’ rooms should be located a safe area
influenced these mothers
their to dedicate
for long hours
yeartoofpumping
choosing to nurse children the first life or accessible to all. They should not be located in areaswork
Other configurations such as 10 feet by 5 feet that well in
and longer.
storingThe
breast milk when they are not with
dramatic health benefits for infant and theirmother
babies. offices
would notand public facing
be suitable facilities where
for the preparation more mothers
and storage of are
Many have influenced these mothers to dedicate long and weeks,
of these mothers return to work after just 6 to 12 likely to be breastfeeding their babies.
food.
and tedious
they needhoursa dedicated
to pumping place where they
and storing breastcan
milkcomfortably
when
and they
efficiently
are notcollect andbabies.
with their store breast
Many milk in the
of these workplace.
mothers Privacy
Location
Some return to work
lactation aftermay
rooms just also
6 to 12
be weeks,
used forand they need
wellness a
purposes Each abuilding
Install should deadbolt
user-operated include afor
minimum
privacy.ofThe
onebest
Wellness room.
that dedicated
incorporate place
otherwhere they can
functions comfortably
in addition and support.
to lactation As aare
locks rule of thumb,
indicator deada bolts
ratio that
of one roomanfor
display every 100 female
“occupied”
efficiently
Design collect and
considerations store breast
outlined heremilk
are in the workplace.
primarily designed message
occupantsto discourage interruptions.
is recommended. Wellness rooms should be located
around lactation needs, but other medical needs may also be in a safe area accessible to all. They should not be located in
well served by these facilities. Sound Privacy
areas that would not be suitable for the preparation and storage
ROOM REQUIREMENTS Walls should reach up to the structure above to minimize
of food.
Several times a day, a nursing mother needs to retreat to a sound transmission over them into adjacent spaces. Install
ROOM REQUIREMENTS
quiet, closed room to collect expressed milk. She needs a sound attenuation in walls to minimize sound
Several times a day, a nursing mother needs a quiet, enclosed Privacy
calm restful environment with all the required elements transmission. Install fabric
Install a user-operated panels,
lock withcurtains, carpeting,
an indicator or
for privacy. The
room to collect expressed milk. She needs a calm restful
for an efficient and safe pumping session. other
environment for an efficient and safe pumping session. bestsound-dampening
locks include anmaterials
indicatortothat
minimize echoes.
displays an “occupied”
A typical pumping session includes changing clothes, message to discourage interruptions and still allows one hand
Chair
A typical
sittingpumping session
at a desk in includes
front of a pumpchanging clothes,
for 15 to 30 sitting
minutes, operation for exiting the room in the case of emergency.
at a placing
work surface Provide a task chair suitable for a workstation. Seat, back,
milk in in frontbottles,
storage of a pump
washingfor bottles
15 to 30
andminutes,
pump
placing armrest, lumbar, tension, and height adjustments are
partsmilk
andin storagethem
packing bottles,
away washing
until thebottles and pump parts
next pumping Sound Privacy
and packing them away until the next pumping session, and preferable. Casters are also important to allow the user
session, and redressing and returning to work. At the end Walls should ideally reach up to the structure or install sound
redressing and returning to work. At the end of the session, the freedom of movement when hands are occupied with
of the session, the pumped milk must be stored in a attenuation
pumped milk must be stored in a refrigerator or cooler. In an bottles of milk in
andwalls
pumptoparts.
minimize sound transmission (i.e.
refrigerator
eight-hour work or cooler.
day two orInthree
an eight-hour work dayare
pumping sessions two or
normal. minimum STC 45) over them into adjacent spaces. Carpeting
three pumping sessions are normal. or other sound-dampening materials to minimize echoes is
Table/Counter
Other considerations
Other forfor
considerations Lactation
lactation rooms, Mothers’
rooms, or mothers’rooms, recommended.
Provide a minimum 20-inch deep by 30-inch wide plastic
or Wellness rooms include the need for actual and privacy.
rooms, include the need for actual and perceived perceived laminate or solid work surface for the pump and bottles to
privacy. Working mothers experience a level of stress
Pumps can be noisy so sound dampening is important to from rest on in front of the task chair. Provide a 30-inch wide
newborn babies, transitioning work and family life. In addition,
equipment such as pumps can be noisy so sound dampening is
© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. BP 10.05.10
© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. Summer 2016
 Best Practices page 1 of 2

Chair RESOURCES
Lactation Room Design
Provide a task chair suitable for a workstation. Fabric or http://www.llli.org/
material designed for easy cleaning or wiping is recommended. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/promotion/research.htm
Seat, back, armrest, lumbar,
Contributed by Liz tension,
York, AIA and
Best Practices height adjustments are http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/employer- page 1 of 2
preferable. Casters are also important to allow the user freedom solutions/nursing-moms.html
Best Practices page 2 of 2
of movement when hands are occupied with bottles of milk and
pump parts. AAIAmore comfortable chair could also beabove
placed as ainservice to AIA members
Lactation Room Design
The collects and disseminates Best Practices without endorsement or onrecommendation.
clear knee space
clear beneath
knee
thespace
the counter.
beneath Provide
the counter. Provide above of the Forreader.
More For Information
More Information on This
For More Information on This Topic
Topic
This Topic
the roomAppropriate
ifcounter
mothers use of
frequently
outlets at the
information
workuse area.
the room If a
provided
to breastfeed
telephone
is the
is
responsibility
their See also the See14th also edition
the 14thof edition
the of the
counter outlets at the work area. If a telephone is See also the 14th edition of the
babies. provided, it should beby
Contributed within easy reach
Liz York, AIA of the work area. Handbook, Handbook, which can be ordered from
SUMMARY provided, it should be within easy reach of the work area.achieve whichcomfort
Handbook,
auditory can be in
which ordered
can from the
andbearound
ordered from
space. Walls,
the AIA the
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800-242-3837
calling 800-242-3837
800-242-3837
Sink doors, and locks must be substantial and provide a good
Mothers
Table/Counter Sinkreturning to the workplace after childbirth (option 4)(option
(option
or by email 4)
4)ororby by email
email atat
at endorsement
Provide aThe
sink AIA
Provideand collects
faucet and disseminates
combination deep Best
enough Practices
to as a sense
service to of
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members without
bookstore@aia.org. or recommendation.
Provide
areaincredibly
minimumAppropriate driven ato
18-inch sink
deep and
provide faucet
by 32-inch combination
for their wide new laminate deep enough
babies or to bookstore@aia.org.
use of the information provided is the responsibility bookstore@aia.org.
of the reader.
solid but
work wash
also tobottles
surface beatwash and
productivepump
deskbottles
height parts.
and for
members Goose
pump the parts. neck
pump
of the or
Goose
and kitchen
neck type
bottles
workforce or tokitchen
. type Lactation rooms should provide, at a minimum, a lockable
faucets are recommended.
faucets If possible,
are recommended. Iflocate inthe
possible, thesink
locate the sink door;achieve
a workauditory
surface comfort
and chair; a small utility-type
rest on in front
Companies of the
SUMMARY
that chair.
provideThe surface
lactation shouldrooms be easily cleaned in and around the space. sink;
Walls,
adjacent to adjacentthe worktoarea. the work area. See also “Design Phases” beginning
or wiped downMothers
workplace for
helpthe next
these user.
employees Provide achieve clear knee
both space
of storage for
doors, Seecleaning
and locks
also supplies
must
“Design be and paper
substantial
Phases” towels;
and
beginning provideadequate
a good
returning to the workplace after childbirth
on page Seeofalso
654 the “Design
15th the Phases”
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counter.
are Electricaldriven
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and design
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to above
provide the
guidelinesfor work
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given
new babies
HVAC service,
sense onof page
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security.
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654of of the a 15th
thermostat;
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of well-placed
Lighting and HVAC the Architect’s
electrical outlets.
the Handbook
Telephone of service of and network
should be provided
here will yieldalso for a the
Task pump
lactation
tolighting and
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should accessories.
that
beover is easyover
provided of to use
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Lactation Architect’s
rooms should
Handbook
Handbook
provide,ofat a minimum, a lockable
Task but lighting should be be productive
provided members the sink the
and workforce
the .
Professional Practice. The
connections Professional Practice. The
and offers comfort
work Companies
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Overhead and
area.
that respect
Overhead
provide
lighting is to mothers.
lighting
lactation
also is rooms
appropriate also appropriate
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for
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Practice. also
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should Store
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beonline
met for all
including the features of the room.
a thermostat;
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Following
year-round the deep
at design enough
a comfortably guidelinestowarm
wash www.aia.org/store, by calling 800-and well-placed
BACKGROUND
bottles andlevelpump parts.level such as in a dressing room. Install a thermostat in www.aia.org/store,
www.aia.org/store,
electrical outlets. by calling
Telephone by 800-
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andatnetwork
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such as inGoose
will yield a
a dressing neckroom.
lactationor kitchen
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thermostat easy to use 242-3837 (option 4), or by email
the room to increase user control and thermal comfort. Size
242-3837 242-3837
(option
connections for (option
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are by
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recommended to
The
recommended.influx of
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If possible,
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comfort
locate workplace
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control respect
sinkand starting
adjacent to
thermalto in
mothers. the
the work
comfort. bookstore@aia.org.
A minimum bookstore@aia.org.
increase
bookstore@aia.org. footprint
worker of
safety 7 feet
and by 7 feet
productivity. is recommended
Accessibility
1960s was
area and provide towel partly Milk
attributable
dispenser
Storage
to
nearby.the development of infant
formula. Formula gives mothers of newborn babies added guidelines
as it allows for should
a 5-foot beradius
met forcircleall thewith
features of the
24-inch room.
deep
Milk Storage
BACKGROUNDInstall a midsize or compact refrigerator for milk storage.counters on Feedback
two walls. Other configurations such as 10
freedom
Lighting and to return
Install a midsize
HVAC to work
or compact
Under-counter
after childbirth.
refrigerator for milk storage.
models help conserve floorinspace but SizeFeedback
Feedback Thework AIA welcomes member feedback on Best Practice
The influx of women in
Under-counter models help conserve floor space but the workplace starting the feet by 5 feet well, too.
The AIA welcomes member feedback on Best Practice
Uniform ambient
However, light
in the
1960s should
past
was ispartly
encouraged
40notyears,
take up to knee
the
research
attributable provide space
to findings
the a beneath
restful the
development and
of work
infantarea. The AIA articles.footprint
A minimum
welcomes Tomember
provideof 7feedback
feet by 7on
feedback onthis
feet Best article, please
is recommended
Practice
should not take up the knee space beneath the work area. articles. Toa provide feedback onwith
this 24-inch
article, please
soothing environment.
overwhelmingly formula. Task
favorlighting
inFormula ofgives
breast should
milk over
mothers ofbenewborn
provided
formulababies overadded
have Location contactforbestpractices@aia.org.
as it allows 5-foot radius circle deep
Accessories articles. To provide feedback on this article, please
the sink and the
instigated pumptoincrease
afreedom
marked area.
return Room to in
workthetemperature
after
number childbirth.
of mothersshould be contact
counters on two bestpractices@aia.org.
walls. Other configurations such as 10
Accessories Useful accessories in a mothers’ room include a trash can,Mothers’ contact
feet
rooms
by 5
should be located in a safe area
bestpractices@aia.org
Key Terms
feet work well, too.
maintained
choosing year-round
toHowever,
nurse atina the
their comfortably
children 40for
warm
the first level such
of lifeascan,
yearfindings orin
Useful accessories
a paper in
towelapast
mothers’ room
years,
dispenser, include
aresearch
coat rackaortrash coat hooks, a full- accessible
Questions to
on
all. They should not be located in areas that
Design
design of lactation room, please contact
a dressing
longer. aroom. A thermostat
Theoverwhelmingly
dramatic health inabenefits
the room could
foror infant increase
and motheruser have Key Terms
paper towel lengthdispenser,
mirror, in favor
acoat of
rack
magazine breast milk
coat
rack, over
hooks,
and formula board. If wouldLocation
a fulllength
a bulletin not be suitable for the preparation and storage of
have
control andinfluenced
thermal
mirror, these
comfort.
instigated
a magazine mothers
a mothers
marked
rack, and toabe
increase dedicate long
in theboard.
bulletin number and
If of mothers lby8@cdc.gov
food.Mothers’ 
Design or
Use info@indigoJLD.com
design
many will sharing the room, installing a rooms should be located in a safe area
tedious manyhours toclipboard
choosing
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to nurse
will andtheir
beorsharing storing
bulletinchildren
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board for milk
the first
installing
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year
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orschedule
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 Universal design
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orroominfluenced
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use. 6these
to 12mothers
weeks, forto and
milk they
dedicate
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a user-operated deadbolt for privacy. The best
tediouswhere hoursthey to pumping andconserve
storingand breast Design
dedicated
workplace. place
Under-counter models can helpcomfortably floormilk space when locks are indicator
Universal designbolts that display an “occupied”
dead
efficiently they
collect ABOUT
are not with THEtheirCONTRIBUTOR
babies. Many of these mothers Use design
Privacy
but should ABOUT
not take THEupand the store
knee breast
CONTRIBUTOR space milk beneath in the theworkplace.
work area. message toFebruarydiscourage interruptions.
2008 deadbolt for privacy. The best
Liz return
York to work
Liz
FAIA, York,
Joyce after
AIA,Lee just a6 mother
isFAIA to 12 weeks, of three andand they need architect
project a Accessibility
Install a user-operated
Refrigerators arededicatednot needed in publicthey
place where
facing facilities where use
in Atlanta. She may becan comfortably
contacted and
at lby8@cdc.gov. Universal
Sound locks design
are
Privacy indicator dead bolts that display an “occupied”
is more transient. Roomscollect that are sized to accommodate more Summer 2016
ROOM REQUIREMENTS
efficiently
RESOURCES
and store breast milk in the workplace. message to discourage interruptions.
Walls should reach up to the structure above to minimize
than one user may require a mid-sized or a large refrigerator,
Several
depending
More
ontimes
Best
frequency
Practices
a RESOURCES
day,ofa use. nursing mother needs to retreat to a ABOUT
sound THE
transmission
Sound CONTRIBUTORS
Privacy over them into adjacent spaces. Install
quiet,The following
closed ROOM AIA
roomREQUIREMENTS Best Practices
to collect expressed provide
milk.additional
She needs a Liz York FAIA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
sound attenuation in walls totheminimize
information More
relatedBest to with
this Practices
topic: Walls should reach up to structuresound
above to minimize
calm restful environment all the required elements Ms. York is the Chief
transmission. Sustainability
Install fabric Officer of
panels, the CDC carpeting,
curtains, and is a mother
orof three
Accessories Several times a day, a nursing mother needs to retreat to a sound transmission over them into adjacent spaces. Install
for an efficient The
and
quiet,inclosed following
safe pumping
room to room AIA Best
session.
collectinclude Practices
expressed provide
milk. She additional other sound-dampening materials to minimize echoes.
Useful accessories
10.05.08 informationa Wellness
forrelated to this
inalltopic: a trash can,needsa a sound attenuation in walls to minimize sound
calmVentilation
restful Durability
environment with Residential Design
the required elements Joyce Lee FAIA, IndigoJLD, University of Pennsylvania, CPHI & Urban Health Lab
transmission. Install fabric panels, curtains, carpeting, or
paperAtowel
typicaldispenser,
pumping asessioncoat rack or coat
includes hooks,clothes,
changing and a full-
10.05.33
for anResource
efficientReview:
10.05.08 and safeGreen
Ventilation forGuide
pumping for Health
session.
Durability Care
in Residential DesignChair
Ms. Leeother
is the President of IndigoJLD Green
sound-dampening Health andto
materials former Chief Architect
minimize echoes.of NYC OMB.
lengthsitting at aEducational
mirror. desk in front of a pump for
information for nursing
15 to 30mothers
minutes,can
Provide a task chair suitable for a workstation. Seat, back,
be putplacing milkA typical
on a bulletin in board.pumping
storage
10.05.33 Storage session
bottles,
Resource space includes
washing
Review: changing
for bottles
pumping
Green and
Guide clothes,
pump
supplies
for Health Care Chairwould like
sitting atthem
a desk in front of the
a pump armrest,
The authorslumbar, tension,
to thank and heightcommittee:
the advisory adjustments are
parts and packing
is recommended in office away until
environmentvs nextfor
where 15 tovisit
pumping
users 30 minutes,
the ProvideCastersaUniversity
task chair suitable for aSchool
workstation.
placing milk in storage bottles, washing bottles and pump preferable.
Jane Kaufman, areofalso important
Pennsylvania to allow theSeat,
of Nursing, user
Amy back,
Spangler of
roomsession, and redressing
on a regular and returning
basis. Accessories shouldto work.
add toAtathe end
calming freedom armrest,
of lumbar, tension,
movement when and
handsheight
are adjustments
occupied are
with
parts
of the session, and packing
the pumped them away until the next pumping baby gooroo, Amanda Higgins, General Services Administration, Mara Baum of
environment and soothing wall milk
colormust be stored
palette. If manyin amothers
bottles preferable. Casters are also important to allow the user
of milk and Hilton
pumpHotels,
parts. Kristen Suzda, Wallace Roberts & Todd.
session, and redressing andSee returning to work.pages
following At the end HOK, Melissa Walker,
refrigerator
will be or cooler.
sharingofthe room, Ininstalling
an eight-hour
a work
scheduling two or or for: samples,
day system diagrams
freedom of movementand vigneetes.
when hands are occupied with
the session, the pumped milk must be stored in a Design assistance is provided by Yubei Huang and Tong Niu from PennDesign at
three pumping
communication board sessions
outsideare thenormal.
door could facilitate efficient bottles of milk and pump parts.
Table/Counter
refrigerator or cooler. In an eight-hour work day two or the University of Pennsylvania.
use ofOther
the room.
three pumping
considerations forsessions
lactationarerooms,
normal.
or mothers’ Provide a minimum 20-inch deep by 30-inch wide plastic
Table/Counter
rooms, include
Otherthe need for actual
considerations and perceived
for lactation privacy.
rooms, or mothers’ laminate or solid
Provide work surface
a minimum 20-inchfor thebypump
deep andwide
30-inch bottles to
plastic
Pumps canrooms,
be noisy so sound
include dampening
the need for actualisand
important
perceivedtoprivacy. rest on in frontorof
laminate thework
solid task chair.
surfaceProvide a 30-inch
for the pump wide to
and bottles
Pumps can be noisy so sound dampening is important to rest on in front of the task chair. Provide a 30-inch wide
See following pages for: sample diagram and vignettes.
© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. BP 10.05.10
© The
© AIA
The AIA Knowledge gained
Knowledge from
gained experience
from immediately
experience applicable
immediately to atotask
applicable at hand.
a task at hand. BP 10.05.10
BP 10.05.10
© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. Summer 2016
© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. BP 10.05.10
Workplace Sample Layout
7'x7' Wellness Room Unit

3 1

9
2

5 4
8
6
1-1 plan

1. task chair
2. counter (fridge underneath)
3. counter for pump
4. sink (cold and hot water dispenser)
5. tilt mirror
6. paper towel dispenser (trash can underneath)
7. electrical outlet (above the counter)
8. coat hooks
9. door for privacy

1-2 perspective

1-3 perspective INDIGOJLD

green + health
 Public Facility Sample Layout 1. chair
2. coat hooks
10'x5' Wellness Room Unit 3. baby changing table
4. paper towel dispenser (trash can underneath)
5. sink (cold and hot water dispenser)
6. stroller storage
7. electrical outlet (above the counter)
8. counter for pump
9. door for privacy
10. full length mirror (at back of the door)

5'

1.coach
2.coat hanger
3.pump
11 4.folded diaper changing table
3 5.hand dryer(trashcan underneath)
10 2
6.sink(cold and hot water)
1 7.tiltable mirror
2 1
6 8.frige underneath
9.sterilizer
10.stroller
11.electrical outlet
12.acoustic door
9
3

12 9 10
4
10'

11
Φ5’
4
5

8
5
6 8

7
7

2-1 plan 2-2 perspective

2-3 perspective INDIGOJLD

green + health
Double-Unit Sample Layout 1. task chair
2. nursing chair
10'x12' Wellness Room Unit 3. coat hooks
4. counter for pump
5. towel dispenser (trash can underneath)
6. sink (cold and hot water dispenser)
7. tilt mirror
8. cabinet or storage
9. electrical outlet (above the counter)
10. counter (fridge underneath)
11. door for privacy

9 9

2 1
4 4

3 3

11

6 10
8
9
7

3-1 plan 3-2 perspective

3-3 perspective INDIGOJLD

green + health
WELLNESS Best Practices page 1 of 2

Lactation/Wellness Room Addendum

Lactation Room Design
We thank allContributed
those who responded
by Liz York,to AIA
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:

The AIA collects and disseminates Best Practices as a service to AIA members without endorsement or recommendation.
RESPONDING TO THE
Appropriate of the information provided is the responsibilitywell
useSUSTAINABILITY as reader.
of the materials including adhesives, sealants, and coatings. A
CHALLENGE screening process for maintenance and cleaning products is also
SUMMARY encouraged. A white comfort
achieve auditory paper from the around
in and AIA is here for reference.
the space. Walls,
With drinking
Mothers water quality
returning to issues in parts after
the workplace of thechildbirth
world, doors, and locks must be substantial and provide a good
breastfeeding emerges as
are incredibly a more
driven sustainable
to provide infantnew
for their feeding
babies
MULTI-UNITS ROOMS
sense of security.
standard but
thanalso
formula. In an era ofmembers
to be productive measuringofvehicle miles .
the workforce Lactation rooms should provide, at a minimum, a lockable
Depending on the size of the organization, there may be a need
traveled as a metric, formula
Companies production
that provide and transportation
lactation rooms in theadd door; a work surface and chair; a small utility-type sink;
for a multi-station lactation suite. A multi-station lactation suite
significantly to the carbon
workplace footprint
help these that couldachieve
employees be substantially
both of storage for cleaning supplies and paper towels; adequate
is a group of stations. A suite concept may encourage a nursing
eliminated through
these goals.breastfeeding.
Following theReinforcing sustainable
design guidelines given HVAC service, including a thermostat; and well-placed
mother community, enhancing support for nursing mothers, as
community development,
here will yield asolid waste room
lactation reduction
that associated
is easy towith
use electrical outlets. Telephone service and network
well as reducing wait times and scheduling conflicts. On-demand
diminishing
andformula
offers purchase
comfort is both
and a community
respect and financial
to mothers. connections for the room are also recommended to
access to lactation
increase suites and
worker safety through multi-station
productivity. suites may be
Accessibility
benefit.
particularly important for women with unpredictable
guidelines should be met for all the features of the room. schedules
BACKGROUND or restricted break times. While suite rooms are encouraged
EXPANDED RESEARCH FINDINGS Size large offices and institutions, a decentralized setting
in some
The influx of women in the workplace starting in the
canAalso be considered
minimum footprintin of
a campus
7 feet bysetting.
7 feet isAn indoor walking
recommended
Breastfed1960s washave
infants partlylower
attributable to the
rates of development
Sudden of infant
Infant Death route
formula. Formula givesgastrointestinal
mothers of newborn babies added as of no more
it allows forthan 5-7 minutes
a 5-foot from desk
radius circle to pumpdeep
with 24-inch is ideal as
Syndrome, acute ear infections, infections, lower
freedom to return to work after allergies,
childbirth.eczema, and bothcounters
long routes andwalls.
on two outdoor
Otherroutes discourage such
configurations use. as
Employers
10
respiratory infections, celiac disease,
should
feet furthermore
by 5 feet work consider furnishing hospital grade pumps,
well, too.
leukemia.However,
Furthermore,
in thebreastfeeding
past 40 years,isresearch
believedfindings
to have long
term effects reducing the risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and to minimize time required and reduce the burden of transporting
overwhelmingly in favor of breast milk over formula have Location
personal pumps.
asthma. For women, breastfeeding has health benefits including
instigated a marked increase in the number of mothers Mothers’ rooms should be located in a safe area
reduced rates of breast and ovarian cancer, hypertension, and
choosing to nurse their children for the first year of life or accessible
diabetes. It also promotes healthy pregnancy spacing, which Some motherstoprefer
all. They should not
to multitask be located
during pumpingin sessions.
areas that We
longer. Thefor
dramatic health benefits for infant and mother
reduces health risks subsequent children. recommend a minimum of 30 foot candles in each of theofunits.
would not be suitable for the preparation and storage
have influenced these mothers to dedicate long and food. where employees multitask, surfaces suitable for
In places
tedious hours to pumping and storing breast milk when
CLARIFICATIONS laptops or phones should be available along with normal office
they are not with their babies. Many of these mothers Privacy
connectivity and/or Wi-Fi capabilities. Additional convenient
return to work
While a minimum after just
of 1 space per 6100
to 12 weeks,
women or and
200 they need a
employees Install a user-operated deadbolt for privacy. The best
counter height outlets may be necessary. We have created multi-
(male or dedicated
female) isplace where rule
a general theyofcanthumb
comfortably and
recommendation locks are indicator dead bolts that display an “occupied”
efficiently station sample drawings responding to the needs of mothers.
for Wellness Room collect and storethebreast
programming, milkofinrooms
number the workplace.
within message to discourage interruptions.
a building should consider staff and visitor demographics and
Sound Privacy
expected frequency of use. It is recommended that no more than
ROOM REQUIREMENTS Walls should reach up to the structure above to minimize
4 women per day be expected to share one lactation unit.
Several times a day, a nursing mother needs to retreat to a sound transmission over them into adjacent spaces. Install
quiet, closed room to collect expressed milk. She needs a sound attenuation in walls to minimize sound
Sound-dampening materials including curtains, rug and art,
calm restful environment with all the required elements transmission. Install fabric panels, curtains, carpeting, or
are recommended to minimize echoes where appropriate.
for an efficient and safe pumping session. other sound-dampening materials to minimize echoes.
Wall-to-wall carpeting is not recommended beneath chairs,
A typical
preparation pumping
surfaces or alongsession
theincludes
path ofchanging clothes,
wheelchair use. Chair
However sitting at a desk in
cork, linoleum, andfront of a pump
low-pile, for 15 to 30
easy-to-clean minutes,
carpet tile
Provide a task chair suitable for a workstation. Seat, back,
placing milk
may be acceptable for in
thisstorage bottles,Ease
application. washing bottles and ispump
of maintenance a
armrest, lumbar, tension, and height adjustments are
partsinand
consideration packing
high them away until the next pumping
use areas. preferable. Casters are also important to allow the user
session, and redressing and returning to work. At the end
freedom of movement when hands are occupied with
For womenof the
who session,
wish the pumped
to pump in milk
theirmust
ownbeoffice,
stored do-not-
in a
bottles of milk and pump parts.
refrigerator
disturb door signs withor cooler. In an eight-hour
the international symbolworkforday two or
lactation
three pumping sessions are normal.
can be offered. Graphic samples are provided in this addendum. Table/Counter
Other considerations for lactation rooms, or mothers’ Provide a minimum 20-inch deep by 30-inch wide plastic
Striving to enhance
rooms, indoor
include theenvironmental
need for actualquality, we encourage
and perceived privacy. laminate or solid work surface for the pump and bottles to
a materialPumps
vetting
canand selection
be noisy process
so sound that addresses
dampening healthto
is important rest on in front of the task chair. Provide a 30-inch wide
and toxicity issues for furnishings, cabinetry, and counters as INDIGOJLD
green + health

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. BP 10.05.10
Summer 2017
WELLNESS Best Practices page 1 of 2

RESOURCES SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Lactation Room Design

Henry-Moss D, “Recommendations for a Breastfeeding Amanda Higgins, General Services Administration;
Friendly Workplace at Penn Medicine”,
Contributed by Liz York, AIA (unpublished MPH Jane Kaufman (retired), University of North Carolina;
Capstone report).University of Pennsylvania, 2017 Diane Spatz, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing;
Eidelman AI, Schanler RJ, Johnston M, et al. Breastfeeding and Mara Baum, HOK; Amy Spangler, babygooroo;
the Use of Human
The AIAMilk. Pediatrics
collects Kristen
and disseminates Best Practices as a service to AIASuzda, WRT;
members Melissa
without Walker, Hilton
endorsement Hotels
or recommendation.
2012;129:E827-E41.
Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.
Froh EB, Spatz DL. Navigating Return to Work and AUTHORS
SUMMARY
Breastfeeding in a Hospital with a Comprehensive achieve auditory comfort in and around the space. Walls,
Employee Lactation
Mothers Program:
returning to The Voices of Mothers.
the workplace J Hum
after childbirth Joyce doors, and locks
Lee, FAIA, must be
IndigoJLD substantial
Green and provide
Health;Penn UrbanaHealth
good Lab
Lact 2016;32:689-94. sense of security.
Liz York, FAIA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
are incredibly driven to provide for their new babies
Louden butL, Harrington M. Planningmembers
also to be productive for Diversity,
of the Charting
workforce . Lactation rooms should provide, at a minimum, a lockable
New Territory. Planning
Companies thatfor Higherlactation
provide Education Journal.V45N2
rooms in the door; a work surface and chair; a small utility-type sink;
2017:16-24
workplace help these employees achieve both of TEAMstorage for cleaning supplies and paper towels; adequate
C. Vitora, R. Bahl,
these goals.etFollowing
al. Breastfeeding in the
the design 21st century:
guidelines given HVAC service, including a thermostat; and well-placed
epidemiology, mechanisms,
here will and lifelong
yield a lactation effect.
room that The Lancet
is easy to use Aidanelectrical
Ganzert, outlets.
ORISE Fellow
Telephone service and network
series: Breastfeeding 1, Lancetand
and offers comfort 2016; 387: 475–90
respect to mothers. Yubei connections
Huang, University
for the of Pennsylvania
room School of Design
are also recommended to
N. Rollins, N. Bhandari et al. Why invest, and what it will increase
Tong Niu, workerof
University safety and productivity.
Pennsylvania School ofAccessibility
Design
take to improve breastfeeding practices? The Lancet series guidelines should be met for all the features of the room.
BACKGROUND
Breastfeeding 2, Lancet 2016; 387: 491–504
Size
The influx of women in the workplace starting in the
1960s was partly attributable to the development of infant A minimum footprint of 7 feet by 7 feet is recommended
formula. Formula gives mothers of newborn babies added as it allows for a 5-foot radius circle with 24-inch deep
freedom to return to work after childbirth. counters on two walls. Other configurations such as 10
feet by 5 feet work well, too.
However, in the past 40 years, research findings
overwhelmingly in favor of breast milk over formula have Location
instigated a marked increase in the number of mothers Mothers’ rooms should be located in a safe area
choosing to nurse their children for the first year of life or accessible to all. They should not be located in areas that
longer. The dramatic health benefits for infant and mother would not be suitable for the preparation and storage of
have influenced these mothers to dedicate long and food.
tedious hours to pumping and storing breast milk when
they are not with their babies. Many of these mothers Privacy
return to work after just 6 to 12 weeks, and they need a Install a user-operated deadbolt for privacy. The best
dedicated place where they can comfortably and locks are indicator dead bolts that display an “occupied”
efficiently collect and store breast milk in the workplace. message to discourage interruptions.

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
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
INDIGOJLD
green + health

© The AIA Knowledge gained from experience immediately applicable to a task at hand. BP 10.05.10
Summer 2017