Human milk provides vital health benefits for babies, among them, promoting strong immune function and lowering the risk of certain chronic conditions. Yet, balancing the requirements of expressing milk and the demands of academic or professional life can be challenging. That's why access to practical, compassionate, and informed lactation support is essential—and why JHU is committed to creating a lactation-friendly environment.
Johns Hopkins' Lactation Support Program
Johns Hopkins' Lactation Support Program is designed to empower faculty, staff, and students who choose to express milk while working or studying on campus. Through a robust suite of services and resources, the program helps make lactation possible across the university's campuses.
Lactation accommodation. Everyone who chooses to express milk will be provided reasonable break times to do so throughout the day. Each individual should complete the lactation accommodations request form, which will be routed to their supervisor for acknowledgment. Read the full JHU Lactation Accommodations Policy here.
Lactation rooms. Private, comfortable lactation spaces are available across JHU campuses in the Baltimore and D.C. regions. These rooms are equipped with hospital-grade breast pumps, refrigeration, and secure, sanitary conditions for expressing and storing milk. Register here to gain access and for amenity information for these spaces. Guidance is available on the Lactation Support Program webpage for those who need help finding or creating a private space near them in which to pump.
Pumps, accessories, and vending machines. Information about hospital-grade pumps and supplies necessary to use them is on the Lactation Support website. Four vending machines across the Baltimore campuses supply accessories at a discounted rate to employees. When you register to use the rooms, you'll receive information about the locations of the vending machines and instructions for using them.
Lactation consultations
Johns Hopkins Hospital offers all Hopkins affiliates access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants for personalized guidance on topics ranging from latch and milk supply to pumping schedules and weaning support. The consultants can be reached by calling 410-502-3221 or emailing JHHlactation@jhmi.edu. Go here for a list of their services, including classes and support groups.
Employees enrolled in a JHU health plan also have access to virtual care and lactation consultation through MD Live, for a low co-pay. Go here for instructions on how to create your account.
Learn more
To learn more about lactation resources or find a lactation room near you, visit the JHU Lactation Support webpage or email worklife@jhu.edu.
Posted in Benefits+Perks, Health+Well-Being
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