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DHS Policy: Oregon Department of Human Services
Administrative Services
 
Policy Title: Breastfeeding mother friendly workplace
Policy Number: DHS-060-035 
Version:
1.0
Effective Date:
 10/15/2006

Approved By: DHS Chief Administrative Officer
Approved Date: 10/15/2006



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Overview

Description: This policy provides for Breastfeeding accommodations and implements Executive Order No. EO-99-10, Breastfeeding Friendly Employer.

Purpose/Rationale: The Department of Human Services will set an example for employers, volunteers, and visitors to promote breastfeeding in the workplace. This breastfeeding policy will also serve as a way to promote breastfeeding as a normal part of daily life and is an important part of community support for breastfeeding.

Applicability: All employees, volunteers, and visitors.

Failure to Comply: N/A

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Policy

1. General

    1. DHS, in compliance with Office of the Governor Executive Order No. 99-10, shall take measures to ensure that all DHS employees, volunteers, and visitors shall be provided with an adequate location for the expression of milk or breast feeding. Specifically, DHS shall make reasonable efforts to provide a room or other location in close proximity to work areas, other than a restroom, where an employee can breastfeed her child or express her milk in privacy.
    2. Breastfeeding information will be displayed in the department and included in DHS newsletters. Information will be provided to new employees and by supervisors to pregnant employees upon notification of their pregnancy.
    3. A breastfeeding woman (employee, volunteer, or visitor) may breastfeed her baby in the area described in "2" below or in any location of the Department of Human Services where the mother and baby are otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether the nipple of the mother's breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breastfeeding.
  1. Accessible Private Room
    1. An accessible private room with a lock shall be provided where a nursing women can.
      1. Nurse an infant brought in during lunch and breaks.
      2. Pump breast milk to be stored for later use.
    1. An attempt will be made to locate the room in an area where a crying infant will not be disruptive to other employees. The room shall have accessible electrical outlets for electric breast pump use and a sink close by for hand washing and rinsing out storage containers.
    2. The breastfeeding area/room shall contain a comfortable chair, a small table and a wastebasket. A sign up sheet will be posted to ensure that all those needing the room will have the opportunity to use it.
  1. Storage
    1. A small refrigerator may be available for safe storage of breast milk. The refrigerator will only be used for stored breast milk. Breastfeeding women will provide their own containers and all milk stored in the refrigerator will be clearly labeled with name and date. Those who use the refrigerator shall be responsible for keeping it clean. For areas without a refrigerator, a secure area will be available to store a personal ice chest or thermos.
    2. Employees who bring their infant in to the office to nurse shall store cloth and disposable diapers in an appropriate container and take them home each day. During work hours the container shall be placed in an area not used by other staff for office space or meetings.
  1. Work schedule
    1. The breastfeeding woman shall be allowed a flexible schedule for nursing or pumping to provide breast milk to her child. The time allowed would not exceed the normal time allowed for lunch and breaks. For time above and beyond normal lunch and breaks, sick/annual or unpaid leave may be used, or (with prior authorization by their supervisor) the employee can come in a little earlier or leave a little later to make up the time.
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Procedure(s)

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Form(s)

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Reference(s)

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Definition(s)

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Contact

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Policy History

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Oregon Department of Human Services
500 Summer St. NE E25, Salem, OR 97301-1098
Phone: (503) 945-5944
Fax: (503) 378-2897
TTY: (503) 947-5330