Teachers College is committed to supporting breastfeeding mothers – students, faculty, and staff. To use the room you will need to sign up in advance. TC provides three clean, private rooms where members of the community who are nursing can express milk. To see availability in each room and make a reservation, click one of the following room options:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that mothers breastfeed exclusively for their baby’s first six months of life and continue breastfeeding through their baby’s first year of life. New York State Labor Law § 206-C requires that employers allow working women to use unpaid break time or paid meal time to nurse their babies or express milk for up to three years after the birth of their child. It also requires employers to provide a reasonable space where an employee can express milk in privacy and prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee who exercises this right.
In addition to providing a dedicated lactation room, TC has worked with the Office of Work/Life at Columbia University to provide access to other supports, including the discounted purchase of breast pump accessories and access to the private lactation rooms across Columbia campuses. TC students, faculty, and staff may request access to the lactation rooms across Columbia’s campuses that are managed by the Office of Work/Life. For more information on gaining access, please visit their website.
If you have questions or comments about the Lactation Room, please email tclactationroom@tc.columbia.edu.