The Women’s Resource Center is dedicated to ensuring that nursing mothers are aware of the available campus facilities in which breast milk can be comfortably expressed. We offer a variety of resources to ensure parents and lactating women feel supported and that their unique needs are met. The Breastfeeding Welcomed Here initiative is available to all mothers at Texas A&M who are students, faculty, staff, or visitors on campus who wish to express milk.
The Women’s Resource Center and Texas A&M University are committed to supporting healthy practices for all Texas A&M staff, faculty, and students who are planning a pregnancy, are currently pregnant, or who are nursing. We encourage you to review the pages below to find out more information on available lactation spaces on campus, the benefits of breastfeeding, pertinent information on mothers’ rights, local resources, and how to set up a lactation space in a new campus facility.
We worked with the Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity and Texas A&M Human Resources to compile a list of the available spaces on campus that are clean, private, and functional for lactation purposes.
Click the button below to access the list of available lactation spaces on Texas A&M's campus.
Click the button below to access a printable list of available lactation spaces on Texas A&M's campus.
Having trouble finding the location of a building that has a lactation space? Click the TAMU map button below. To view lactation space locations on the map, under "Services" select "Lactation/Mother's Rooms".
In Texas, more than eight out of ten mothers breastfeed their babies. A growing body of research continues to support the many benefits associated with breastfeeding. Not only are the health benefits significant for babies, but studies indicate breastfeeding helps improve mothers’ health as well. We encourage you to review the following information to gain a greater understanding of the emotional and physical health benefits that mothers and babies experience as a result of healthy breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Benefits for Mothers
- Breastfeeding causes normal contractions and the release of oxytocin that both help the uterus return to its normal size more quickly post-pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding reduces mothers’ risk for developing several types of cancer such as breast, uterine, endometrial or ovarian cancer. Mothers who are diabetic also improve their health by breastfeeding since the amount of insulin that is required decreases post-pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding helps new mothers lose more weight after giving birth. Lactating mothers burn up to 600 calories per day since their bodies are constantly producing milk.
- Breastmilk is portable and does not require extra preparation, cutting down on time spent preparing and warming formula.
- Breastfeeding cuts down on costs for new parents. Breastmilk substitutes cost between $900 and $4,700 the first year. Not only is breastmilk free, but breast-fed babies are less likely to need medical attention as they grow, minimizing future medical costs. Mothers are also less likely to miss more days of work due to infant illness.
- Breastfeeding offers mothers the opportunity to bond with their babies on a very intimate level, which enhances the relationship between a mother and a baby and results in fewer feelings of anxiety. Oxytocin is released during breastfeeding, which enhances bonding and helps both mothers and babies relax.
- Breastfeeding can result in a newfound sense of confidence for mothers. Mothers can feel confident and comforted knowing they are producing all of the healthiest nutrients their babies need.
Breastfeeding Benefits for Babies
- Breastfeeding ensures babies are receiving the healthiest nutrients they need to grow. Breastmilk has increased properties to meet the special nutritional needs of infants.
- Breastfeeding protects against a variety of health problems. Breast-fed babies have a lower likelihood of developing diabetes, obesity, hypertension, ear infections, respiratory infections, and immune system diseases in adulthood.
- Breastmilk protects against SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
- Breastmilk is more easily digestible and results in better illness protection for the infant and less constipation due to more frequent feedings.
- Breastfed infants receive increased emotional and psychological benefits due to the intimate bond they develop with their mothers.
- Breastfeeding calms babies quickly, resulting in babies experiencing less stress.
- Breastfed babies have a better antibody response to vaccines.
Federal Law and Policy
In 2013, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, issued a Dear Colleague Letter regarding pregnant and parenting parents in both secondary school and higher education. This letter and the accompanying pamphlet titled Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students provided schools with guidance for how to best support pregnant and parenting students as required in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
For students, the Office for Civil Rights published a handout titled Know Your Rights.
Department of Labor
The United States Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division released a statement that provides guidance and resources on federal laws associated with break time for nursing mothers.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
You can also find the amended section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Texas A&M University Policy
“Texas A&M University recognizes that maintaining a balance between work and family is necessary for optimized employee work performance. The university is committed to supporting employees who choose to breastfeed. To assist employees with challenges associated with workplace milk expression, and to comply with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the university has implemented a Workplace Lactation Program.”
View the Texas A&M Statement on Workplace Lactation.
Below are the University’s policies regarding lactation space provisions: (Click on the section title above to review the complete Standard Administrative Procedure.)
2.1 The university is committed to making available, when needed, to nursing mothers, temporary or permanent space that is shielded from view, has a door that locks, and is free from intrusion from coworkers and the public.
2.2 The space must have a place for the nursing mother to sit and a flat surface, other than the floor. The space cannot be a bathroom.
2.3 Preferably, the space will have an electrical outlet, sink with hot water within or nearby, refrigerator within or nearby, and space to store nursing equipment.
2.4 If the space is not dedicated to the nursing mother’s use, it must be made available when needed.
2.5 With supervisor approval, an employee may use her designated work space or other locations suitable for the purpose of expressing milk.
Flexible Work Schedule Procedures
"Texas A&M University supports supervisors and managers in implementing flexible work schedules when such schedules do not diminish the productivity or quality of services provided by the workforce. The following procedures are designed to assist supervisors and managers with the implementation of flexible work schedules to meet the needs of the position/organization and the employee."
The following list is provided to help interested individuals find pregnant, parenting, and breastfeeding resources. The Women's Resource Center, Offices of the Dean of Student Life, and Texas A&M University do not endorse any individual agency listed below. Please consult a medical professional if you have any questions about the veracity of the information provided by these sources.
Texas WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Clinics
| Name | City | Address | Phone | Hours |
| Faith Mission WIC Program | Brenham | 100 S. Chappel Hill St., STE 101 | 979-836-1913 | M-Th 8:30-6:30pm F 8:30-12:30pm |
| Brazos Valley Community Action Agency Inc. | Bryan | 3400 S. Texas Ave, STE 1 | 979-260-2942 | M-Th 7:30-6pm F&Sa 7:30-1:30pm |
| BVCAP North Bryan WIC Clinic | Bryan | 705 N. Houston St. | 979-255-3804 | M 8-5:30 pm | T 8-4pm |
| Caldwell WIC Clinic | Caldwell | 1107 Woodson Dr. | 979-567-7092 | M&W 7:30-6pm |
| Lincoln House WIC Clinic | College Station | 1013 Eleanor | 979-255-3804 | W 8-5:30 pm | Th 8-4pm |
| Lone Star Clinic | Conroe | 605 S. Conroe Medical Dr. | 936-788-5301 | M 9-6pm | T-Th 8-5pm F 8-3pm |
| Conroe Clinic | Conroe | 703 East Davis | 936-539-3399 | M&T 8-7pm W&Th 7-6pm 2nd Sa 8-12pm |
| Hearne Clinic | Hearne | 1000 Brown St. | 979-279-6232 | T&Th 7:30-6pm |
| UTMB - Huntsville WIC | Huntsville | 1210 10th St. | 936-295-0552 | M 10-7pm | T 9-6pm W&Th 8-5pm | F 8-3pm |
| Madisonville WIC Office | Madisonville | 813 S. State St., STE 103 | 979-450-5016 | T&Th 7:30-6:30 |
| Magnolia WIC Clinic | Magnolia | 18602 FM 1488, STE 600 | 281-259-2404 | M 10-7pm | T 9-6pm W&Th 8-5pm | F 8-3pm |
| Navasota WIC Clinic | Navasota | 118 Farquhar St. | 936-825-8700 | T&Th 7-5:30 p |
Local Resources
Baylor Scott & White College Station Hospital
Baylor Scott & White offers a variety of classes ranging from childbirth education to introduction to breastfeeding. For a list of upcoming classes, please visit http://www.sw.org/women-health/classes
Baylor Scott & White also offers lactation consultation services as well as other assistance and support for pregnant and nursing mothers. To schedule an appointment with a consultant, please call the College Station hospital at (979) 207-0356. For more information, please visit http://www.sw.org/women-health/lactation-consultants
St. Joseph Hospital
St. Joseph provides education and support for pregnant and nursing mothers. Classes are free and you can call (979) 731-1231 to register.
Please visit http://www.st-joseph.org/NewParentEducation for a list of classes and when they are offered.
College Station Medical Center
The MED offers a variety of classes and support groups for expecting families. Classes are free with RSVP. Please visit http://www.csmedcenter.com/College-Station-Medical-Center/EventsandClasses.aspx or call (979) 693-2762 for more information on the days and times classes are offered.
Wee Little Me
Wee Little Me is a lactation center and baby boutique located in Bryan, TX, that specializes in supporting the unique needs of breastfeeding mothers. Shannon Sanford, Wee Little Me’s owner, is an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a Registered Nurse (RN). Services offered include lactation consultation, telephone counseling, and weight checks for babies among other services. The boutique offers products needed during pregnancy and until children are 2-years-old. For more information on the services offered, please visit http://www.basicsforbreastfeeding.com/. To schedule an appointment to receive lactation consultation, please call (979) 229-1175.
Mom’s Milk B/CS
Mom’s Milk is run by Kimberly Hill, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She is also a Certified Lactation Educator and is part of the faculty of the Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals Association (CAPPA). Kimberly offers a variety of breastfeeding classes and support as well as continuing education opportunities. For more information on the types of classes she offers, or if you are interested in making a lactation consultation appointment, please visit http://www.momsmilkbcs.com/.
University Pediatric Association (UPA)
UPA has a Breast Feeding Consultant, Pam Hayenga, on staff with whom mothers and families can schedule appointments. If you are interested in contacting the consultant, UPA asks that you call her directly at (979) 696-4440. For more information, please visit http://www.upadocs.com
National Resources
La Leche League - local chapter in Bryan/College Station
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
Breastmilk. Every Ounce Counts
Dispelling Breastfeeding Myths
World Health Organization (WHO)
International Lactation Consultant Association
United States Breastfeeding Committee
International Breastfeeding Journal
Updated 03/28/2017
If you are a building proctor for any buildings on Texas A&M’s campus and are interested in establishing a lactation space, please contact the Women’s Resource Center. We will guide you through the process of ensuring your designated space meets the necessary requirements. Meanwhile, we invite you to review the information below to familiarize yourself with the requirements and considerations for establishing lactation spaces.
Lactation Space Considerations
- Identify physical locations suitable for lactation purposes (i.e. private office, bathroom extensions, conference rooms, etc.)
- Identify whether physical locations are large enough to accommodate basic furniture and necessities (i.e. Chair, couch, personal lockers, sink, trash bin, etc.)
- Address privacy and security concerns (i.e. Will mothers need a key? Will someone let them in to the room? Are there suitable door locks?
- Inform students, staff, and visitors about the importance of providing private, secure, and clean lactation spaces for mothers and their babies.
- Designate times and days for when the lactation spaces will be available.
- Establish a scheduling system (i.e. Online reservations, phone reservations, or walk-ins welcome)
Basic Amenities for Lactation Spaces
- Door that can be locked from the inside
- Electrical outlets
- Access to a clean sink and paper towels
- Trash can
- Comfortable chair
- Table or area where mothers can place supplies
- Appropriate signage that the space is specifically for lactation purposes
Additional Resources on Establishing Lactation Spaces
- The University of Arizona’s Strategies for Individuals and Instructors/Managers
- Society for Human Resource Management on Lactation Rooms Requirements
- American Institute of Architects’ Lactation Room Design
- The University of Michigan’s Lactation Room Setup Guide