Building partnerships through collaboration.
Lactation Support
UB has clean, private and comfortable space for nursing parents. If the rooms that are listed below are not convenient, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) will also work with students, employees and members of the UB community to find appropriate space.
Lactation Rooms
Reserving a Lactation Space
For the best ease of use, it is encouraged to reserve a room in advance using these methods:
Capen 565A and Townsend B04 are available on a first-come, first-served basis and typically open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
Baldy 565, BEB 152, Capen 59, Capen 354, Cooke 128, NSC 803, NSC 202C, Diefendorf 138, Wende 315, and Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (JSMBS) 6142 can be reserved through the Office of Human Resources, Benefit Services by requesting access on the applicable web form:
Squire Hall B23 can be requested through the School of Dental Medicine Human Resources Office.
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (JSMBS) 6142 can be accessed within the JSMBS 6130 office suite and is typically open Monday through Friday, 7:45 am - 5:00 pm.
Student Union (SU) 325 This room can be reserved for normal business hours Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm using the online form. For evening and weekend hours, this room can be reserved by requesting access at the Student Union Welcome Center in the main atrium. The Student Union Welcome Center is typically staffed from 9:00 am - midnight, seven days a week, when classes are in session.
After Hours & Drop-in Options
UB recognizes that it may not always be possible to reserve a room in advance.
In these instances, you may use the lactation rooms near the 1Capen (North Campus) and 1Diefendorf (South Campus) Student Centers. Please ask the attendants at the concierge desk to open the rooms for you if not already occupied or reserved. 1Capen and 1Diefendorf Student Centers are typically open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
You may also request access to use Student Union (SU) 325 on UB's North Campus from the attendants at the Student Union Welcome Center. The Student Union Welcome Center is typically staffed from 9:00 am - midnight, seven days a week, when classes are in session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently, UB has dedicated lactation rooms in the following locations:
- Baldy 565
- Biomedical Education Building (BEB) 152
- Capen 59
- Capen 354
- Capen 565A
- Cooke 128
- Diefendorf 138
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (JSMBS) 6142
- Natural Sciences Complex (NSC) 803
- Natural Sciences Complex (NSC) 202C
- Squire B23
- Student Union (SU) 325
- Townsend B04
- Wende 315
UB has identified several rooms for dedicated lactation use, but finding sufficient appropriate space on a permanently-assigned basis can be a challenge. We are continuing to expand the number of dedicated spaces available, and this will be an ongoing goal. In the meantime, we will contact departments to find appropriate temporary space for any employee, student or guest who requires it.
We suggest you first check with your supervisor or department HR representative to see if a space is available. If a space is not available, please make this request 4-6 weeks in advance to allow for time to locate a space and proper furnishings.
We can assist you in finding appropriate temporary space by contacting departments on your behalf. Employees can obtain assistance by contacting the Office of Human Resources, Benefit Services.
Students and UB visitors can contact EDI.
Any member of the UB community can use the lactation rooms, and can contact EDI for assistance with locating appropriate space.
Employees have the right to reasonable breaks to express breast milk as well as a private, convenient and secure place to do so. The New York State Department of Labor outlines these rights in its guidance, Rights of Nursing Mothers. These rights apply regardless of gender identity. This right is guaranteed under federal and state law, and supervisors cannot deny employees reasonable breaks to pump. Please contact EDI to discuss the situation and some options for addressing the matter.
If you feel comfortable talking with your professor, it is a good idea to be upfront about the situation and explain what is going on. It is better for your instructor to know about the situation in advance. If you don't feel comfortable speaking with your instructor directly, EDI can assist in contacting your instructor to explain the situation.
Title IX is a law that requires schools to provide equal educational opportunities to students, regardless of sex/gender. Title IX may require breastfeeding accommodations when these are necessary to ensure students can participate in their academic programs. EDI can work with you and your instructor to ensure breastfeeding accommodations that do not interfere with essential academic requirements.
Yes! We are always looking to add additional spaces. If your area has a space that is designated for lactation purposes and is not on the list, please contact us.
