Lactation Support

Macalester College is committed to supporting employees who choose to breastfeed/chestfeed their child. If you need to pump or express milk while on campus, the College will provide access to a designated lactation space to support your needs.

Lactation Spaces on Campus

Macalester has some designated lactation spaces spread across campus.  They are located:

• Kagin Commons – Room 017 (Basement level)
• Theater & Dance Building – Room T106 (1st Floor)
• Humanities Building – Room  115J (1st Floor)
• DeWitt Wallace Library – Room L09 (Basement)

If the permanent rooms nor the employee’s regular office space do not work, we can also make alternative arrangements. This will be a private and clean space with a lockable door, a comfortable chair, a refrigerator, and appropriate signage as needed. Arrangements for this room can take some time to put together and employees are encouraged to give as much notice as possible. Please understand that the location of the lactation rooms may vary depending on space needs/availability and schedules.

Contact Human Resources at [email protected] to make arrangements or if you have questions.

Mini-Fridge Rentals

If your office provides you with the privacy, space, and comfort needed for your lactation purposes Macalester can provide you with a mini-fridge to keep in your office until it is no longer needed. Contact Human Resources at [email protected] for more information.

Macalester benefits to support you and your family

EAP’s Child Care Benefit – You have access to confidential resources, information and referrals for every age and stage through Macalester’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Take advantage of advice and support regarding these and other topics by calling 877-622-4327 or visiting mycigna.com (Employer ID: macalester).

• Nursing your infant
• Special Needs Care
• Parenting Support Group
• Childcare, back-up care, and sick child care
• Resources for all education and developmental stages

Wellbeats – If you’re on Macalester’s health plan, Wellbeats offers a channel for pre and post-natal exercise. These classes provide safe, feel-good exercises that will help keep you active.

Nice Healthcare – If you’re on Macalester’s health plan you and your family have access to Nice Healthcare. Nice Healthcare provides well child exams that can happen in your home. Most of the time a Nice Healthcare provider is able to see their patients the same day for  chat, video, and home visit.

Additional Lactation Resources

Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition
The Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition works to create environments where breastfeeding/chestfeeding is valued and supported to achieve natural infant feeding equity in all Minnesota communities.

Minnesota Department of Health
The Minnesota Department of Health offers extensive information on promoting breastfeeding/chestfeeding awareness and support.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) is committed to increasing breastfeeding/chestfeeding rates throughout the United States and to promoting and supporting optimal breastfeeding/chestfeeding practices toward the ultimate goal of improving the public’s health.

International Lactation Consultant Association
This worldwide network of lactation professionals can help you find a local lactation consultant and provides support for chestfeeing parents.

It’s Only Natural
It’s Only Natural has information for African-American parents and their families about the health benefits of breastfeeding/chestfeeding.

Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Minnesota
PPSM is a voice for mental health during and after pregnancy. They provide support, advocacy, awareness and training during vulnerable times.