Returning to work after having a baby is tough, but faculty and staff have the opportunity to give their child needed care while still on the job.

Last year, NIU instituted a new lactation policy, which means new mothers are allowed to nurse their baby during their break and lunch periods.

“There seemed to be a problem where mothers weren’t able to express milk to their child,” said Diane Tyrrell, NIU human resources officer. “We looked at several options centered through human resources.”

According to the memorandum given by Steve Cunningham, associate vice president of administration and human resources, “Pursuant to the university’s interest in providing sufficient accommodations to women returning to work following maternity leave, arrangements will be provided for women requiring privacy and facilities to utilize lactation devices as required during working hours.”

There isn’t a centralized area where mothers are able to nurse their child. It is all on a case-by-case basis.

“We encourage department and supervision to make accommodations as needed,” Cunningham said.

The policy will be incorporated within the Family Medical Leave Act.

According to the memorandum, specialized accommodations will be provided for a maximum time period of six months or less, as required by the mother.

“The duration of period needed to use the policy varies with each mother and child,” Cunningham said.

If there is a situation that poses difficulties in terms of accommodations, the Employee Wellness and Assistance Office is available to help the employee and supervisor in developing arrangements that are satisfactory to both parties, according to the memorandum.

The policy is only an option for the faculty and staff of the university.

“Students never brought attention to the matter,” Tyrrell said.

The policy is an enhancement of the university’s recognition of the work/family issue, Cunningham said.

“It demonstrates to new mothers that to use the policy is OK,” Cunningham said. “We wanted to encourage and support specifically to this one need.”