Lactation Space Experiences and Preferences Among Health Care Workers in an Academic Medical Center

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

Comprehensive workplace lactation support programs can reduce the risk for early breastfeeding discontinuation; however, scant evidence is available to inform user-centered design of employee lactation spaces. This study describes health care workers' preferences for lactation space.

Materials and Methods:

In 2016–2017, a convenience sample of 151 women who pumped at work at an academic medical center reported on demographics, lactation experiences, and room and equipment preferences through an online survey.

Results:

Respondents worked in research and administration (32%), were nurses (30%), physicians and medical students (19%), or allied health or clinical support staff (19%). Seventy percent had ever used one of the hospital's dedicated lactation spaces. Forty-nine percent ranked hospital-grade pumps the most important piece of lactation room equipment; 83% preferred multiple occupancy lactation suites; and the average maximum acceptable distance to lactation space was 5.6 minutes.

Conclusions:

Optimal lactation infrastructure supports the immediate and long-term health of female workers and their children. User needs and preferences can guide design of lactation space to ensure a minimum standard for design, equipment, and distance. Workers may have different preferences depending on roles and experiences; thus, a variety of solutions may be most effective.