Campus Lactation Space Map
Welcome to the Campus Lactation Space Map, a resource for our university community. This page is designed to help you find spaces across campus for nursing and pumping.
Use the UW Campus Lactation Space Map to visually explore the locations of lactation spaces across campus, or browse the Campus Lactation Space Directory to view detailed information about each room. The directory includes details such as who can use the space, whether reservations are required or drop-in use is allowed, whether a key or badge is needed for access, and who to contact with questions or comments.
The spaces listed vary in what they offer. Some are dedicated lactation rooms with amenities specifically for nursing and pumping, while others are multipurpose health or wellness rooms that can be used for a variety of needs, including lactation.
Lactation rooms are managed by the building manager or department listed under each room’s contact information. We do our best to keep this information up to date, but we rely on campus partners to notify us of changes.
You can click on a building in the directory below for room-specific details and access information, or explore locations visually using the interactive Campus Lactation Space Map.
Campus Lactation Space Map and Directory
Explore the Campus Lactation Space Map below. Click on a pinpoint to see more info or click the button in the top right corner to expand the map.
You may also explore additional details including building address, room number, and reservation system in the Campus Lactation Space Directory.
Lactation Space Guidelines & Standards
Having access to clean, private, and supportive spaces for lactation and wellness is essential for the health and success of our community.
To ensure consistency across campus, we have developed a tiered Lactation Space Rating System which provides a star-rating for each campus lactation space and serves as the detailed standard for designing and updating lactation spaces. These standards and best practices ensure our campus spaces welcome and support all nursing parents.
Guidelines At-A-Glance
- Private space (not a bathroom)
- Secure (lockable door or “occupied” signage)
- Comfortable seating with armrests and back support
- Flat surface or small table for supplies
- Convenient electrical outlets
- Running water access (in-room or nearby)
- Refrigerator access for milk storage
- Clean, well-lit, and ventilated environment
- Sanitation supplies (wipes, hand sanitizer)
- ADA accessible and inclusive design
- Electrical outlet(s) for breast pump use.
- Calming atmosphere (soft lighting, neutral colors)
- Scheduling system to ensure availability and privacy
- Hospital-grade breast pumps available for use
- Cleanliness: space is regularly cleaned
Room Rating Definitions
- Good: Meets minimum requirements for privacy, hygiene, and accessibility.
- Better: Supports multitasking and enhanced comfort for regular use.
- Best: Represents the state’s commitment to excellence in public health and sustainability in alignment with DFD Sustainability Guidelines, AIA Framework for Design Excellence, and WELL building standards.
Policies & Accommodations
There are several federal policies that protect lactating, pumping, or nursing people.
For Employees
- Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act): Provides employees with a right to reasonable break time and a private space that is shielded from view and free from intrusion (other than a bathroom) to express breast milk at work for one year after the baby’s birth.
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA): Requires employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” for employees with limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including lactation accommodations.
- For questions about these policies or accommodations, please reach out to your UW HR Contact or Divisional Disability Representatives (DDR).
For Students
- Title IX: Prohibits sex discrimination in education, which means students are entitled to accommodations for lactation and other pregnancy-related needs.
- For questions about these policies or accommodations, schedule a drop-in appointment, call 608-263-5700, or email the Office of Student Assistance and Support.
Add or Update a Lactation Space
Building Managers (or departments in charge of room reservations) may submit a new room or update existing room details using this form:
For issues related to maintenance or access, please reach out to the contact listed under each room or the building manager.
Questions?
This resource is compiled by the Office of Child Care & Family Resources as a supportive tool for the campus community. This information is collected and shared with the help of our campus partners. We check periodically to ensure information is accurate, but rely on building managers to keep us informed of changes.
For general questions or corrections to a listing, please contact us at occfr@provost.wisc.edu or call (608) 265-4060.