Recommendations for designing lactation/wellness rooms

Contributed by Liz York FAIA and Joyce Lee FAIA

Summary

Mothers 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 Mother’s 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.