Elements to be included in the office lactation room

A breastfeeding room or lactation room is vital in companies that have staff who need to feed their babies, here we compile some essential elements that this place must have in an office.

Beyond legal compliance, Mexican companies recognize the importance of creating work environments that facilitate breastfeeding, as this is a key factor for talent retention. and the promotion of a inclusive work environment.

Based on the regulations and thanks to the interviews that we have conducted with ComproDiverso with several Latin American mothers, these are the essential elements in a lactation room. TO WATCH THE SESSION "PROMOTION AND BEST PRACTICES IN BREASTFEEDING IN THE WORKPLACE", PLEASE JOIN COMPRODIVERSO.

Total privacy

The space must be private and exclusiveaway from traffic areas. Ideally, it needs to be at least 3 to 6 square meters in size, soundproofed and the door should be lockable.

Comfort and essential equipment

For this it is necessary to have:

• a comfortable chair (ergonomic, with backrest and armrests) that does not include fabrics, but materials such as vinyl leather, plastic or other washable materials;
• a side table for the extractor and accessories;
• plugs accessible and safe for the electric extractor;
• demijohn with water or any other form of access to potable water.

Hygiene

It is vital that the lactation room has:

• sink with bowlsoap and paper towels;
• easy-to-clean surfaces;
• disinfectant wipes available;
• trash can with lid and pedal for waste.

Safe storage for milk

Breast milk requires special careThe temperature at which it should be kept for preservation purposes. For this it is necessary:

• refrigerator with dedicated freezer compartment y cleanclearly labeled for breast milk;
• sterilizable breast pump;
• sterilizer;
• space for them to be able to tag containers.

Creation of a pleasant environment

A comfortable space enhances the breastfeeding experience, which is why it is necessary:

• soft lighting and warm;
• good ventilation;
• simple decoration and relaxing.

What does Mexican law say about these spaces?

Protecting and guaranteeing the right to breastfeeding not only complies with the legal guidelinesbut also promotes people's wellbeing. JOIN COMPRODIVERSO TO WATCH THE SESSION "PROMOTION AND BEST PRACTICES IN BREASTFEEDING IN THE WORKPLACE".

In Mexico there are different regulations that have as their purpose to general guidelines for the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding within the first six months of life and the access to two extra daily breaks of half an hour each during the breastfeeding period in an exclusive space and with the characteristics already mentioned above.

• The The Political Constitution of the United Mexican States guarantees in Article 123 that during the lactation period, the following will be given two extraordinary breaks of half an hour each per day.
• The Federal Labor Law, in Article 170establishes a six weeks' rest before and six weeks' rest after childbirth. In addition, during six months of the breastfeeding period, the following are guaranteed two extraordinary breaks per day, of half an hour each, to feed their children in a suitable and hygienic place designated by the company, or, when this is not possible, by prior agreement with the company, their working day will be reduced by one hour during the aforementioned period..
• The General Health Lawin its Article 64in addition to encourage milk to be the exclusive food for six months and a complementary food until well into the second year of life, promote the installation of breastfeeding centers in public and private sector workplaces..
• The Article 94 of the Social Security Law and Article 39 of the Law of the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers.In the case of the new regulations, the six-month breastfeeding period and the aforementioned breaks are restored.

What are the disadvantages and possible consequences of not having an adequate lactation room?

Not having a lactation room can create some significant disadvantages. Breast-feeding infants may face a considerable stress not having a dignified and private place to express milk, which often leads to a lack of productivity decline and a increased absenteeism.

In addition, the lack of support may result in the loss of valuable talentpeople could look for places that offer conditions to be able to have a work-life balance.

Since it is a right guaranteed by national and international legislation, non-compliance with this right may result in financial penalties of up to $500,000 in case of an audit by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and the non-certification of NMX-025, the Mexican Standard on Labor Equality and Non-Discrimination..

Did you know what elements a lactation room should have?

Sources: Government of Mexico (1 y 2), Guide for the installation and operation of lactation rooms y Federal Labor Law

Research by Mildred Perez de la Torre, Jose Manuel Rios and Rodrigo Hernandez Vera