Support for New and Expectant Parents
Prenatal and Postnatal Well-Being Resources
UVA offers services for employees and their spouses on the UVA Health Plan or UPG Anthem Health Plan who are expecting so that you can learn about, plan for, and have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
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Aetna Healthy Chapters
For UVA employees and their spouses on the UVA Health Plan: Prenatal and newborn educational materials are available to learn what to expect before and after delivery.
This program is already included with your Aetna health benefits and insurance plan - there is no extra cost to you.
Enroll by your 16th week of pregnancy and, if qualified, the UVA Health Plan subscriber should receive $100 in the subscriber’s paycheck (taxable income) by the end of the month after the month of enrollment.
Your breast pump may also be covered by your insurance provider. Please call the Aetna One Advocate team for details 1-800-987-9072
Delays can occur due to payroll cycles and other issues. Please contact the HR Solution Center if you have questions. Call 800.272.3531 or visit the Aetna website for more information.
Visit Aetna's Website -
Prenatal Nutrition Counseling
You want the best for your baby. Come see a registered dietitian with Northridge Nutrition Counseling Center for individualized guidance on how to nourish yourself during and after pregnancy.
Employees and spouses on the UVA Health Plan or UPG Anthem Health Plan are offered two free visits!
To learn more, contact HWNutrition@virginia.edu or 434.243.4749.
Services & Resources for New Parents
UVA supports all employees who are lactating. Below you can learn more about lactating as a UVA employee and resources available for your support.
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to HR: AskHR@virginia.edu.
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UVA Breastfeeding Program
The Breastfeeding Program offers lactation consultants and pediatricians who can provide you with the support you need to breastfeed your baby.
Prenatal visits are available where a parent can meet one-on-one with a lactation consultant. Call 434-982-3316 UVA Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic to schedule a visit.
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Legal Support for Lactating Employees
In March 2010, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act amended the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to require that employers provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom area for those who wish to express (pump) breast milk for their child to have when they are apart.
Specifically, the Act requires that we provide a reasonable amount of break time (two or three lactation breaks per eight-hour shift may be reasonable) and a space as frequently as needed by the lactating employee, for up to one year following the birth of the employee’s child. The space provided by the employer cannot be a bathroom, and it must be shielded from view and free from intrusion by coworkers or the public (though the space can be temporarily created or converted for the duration of the mother’s need). Be aware that the frequency and length of breaks will vary.
Employers are not required under the FLSA to compensate lactating employees for these breaks. However, where we already provide paid breaks, a lactating employee who uses that break time must be compensated in the same way that other employees are compensated for break time, and they must be completely relieved from all duty during those breaks.
While this law specifically refers to non-exempt employees, the Department of Labor encourages employers to provide breaks to all lactating employees regardless of their status under the FLSA.
If you have not done so already, identify a private, non-bathroom space that can be used for lactation breaks, and train managers and supervisors about the requirements.
It is in all of our best interests to comply with these regulations. Breastfeeding not only helps keep moms and children healthy, it also helps families save money through reduced medical costs, lost time at work, and costs for formula and feeding supplies, which can total over $1,500 each year. Employers who support lactating employee describe the return on their investment as including lower health care costs, absenteeism and turnover rates, as well as higher productivity, improved morale, and greater job satisfaction.
To read more about these requirements you can read the Department of Labor’s Fact Sheet and its Frequently Asked Questions for Nursing Mothers.
Additional Resources:
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- What You Should Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act from the EEOC
- Tips for Asking for Reasonable Accommodations infographic from the EEOC
Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor
- FLSA Protections to Pump at Work/PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act from the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division
- FLSA Protections for Employees to Pump Breast Milk at Work (Fact Sheet #73) from the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division
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Resources for Lactating Employees
UVA's Breastfeeding Program suggests the following resources for education and encouragement:
- Meet other mothers, get advice at a La Leche League meeting in Charlottesville.
- Find supplies, peer counselors, and more from Women Infant and Children (WIC).
- Ask your questions by calling the National Breastfeeding Helpline.
- Read articles, get book recommendations, more at KellyMom.
- Find an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
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Inclusive Language related to Lactation
UVA will use and promote inclusive language to ensure all in need are able to access the resources available, including:
- Transgender Individuals
- Nonbinary Individuals
- Cisgender Females
- Those who have lost a child (during pregnancy, birth)
- Surrogates
- Adoptive Parents
Previous Language Proposed Language Mother’s / Moms / Women Parents and Team Members She / Her / Hers They / Them / Theirs Nursing Mother Lactating Individual; Lactating Parent; Those Needing to Express Milk Breastfeeding Lactation Mother’s Rooms / Nursing Mothers Rooms Lactation Rooms Breastfeeding Breastfeeding; Chestfeeding; Lactating; Expressing; Pumping; Human Milk Feeding Breastmilk Expressed Milk or Human Milk Nursing Expressing Milk Maternity / Paternity Parenthood References:
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University Medical Center’s Lactation Policy Summary
In 2022, improving team members’ lactation experience was one of projects to come out of the Spark Innovation Competition. This policy is one of several initiatives from the project and formalizes and reinforces the University Medical Center’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for expressing milk in the workplace for the Medical Center employee, and facilitating compliance with applicable laws. The full policy is available on PolicyTech.
Key elements of the new policy are outlined below:
- Breaks, including frequency and duration
Employees are provided reasonable paid lactation breaks. Employees are responsible for notifying their supervisor of their requested schedule of break times to express milk. Breaks shall be scheduled in coordination with supervisors. Per policy, the recommendation is to provide at least one break every three hours for no less than 30 minutes. However, the frequency and duration needed to express milk varies from parent to parent depending on their physical needs. Thus, employees and supervisors are expected to work together to determine when breaks occur. - Designated areas are provided. Lactation rooms will:
- Be within reasonable proximity to the employees’ workplace (primary workstation)
- Be located near a sink with running water and soap for washing hands and cleaning pump parts.
- Have a waste receptacle for clean-up.
- Have an electrical outlet, chair, and a flat surface suitable for holding a pump.
- Be in proximity to a refrigerator.
- Be clean, shielded from view and free from intrusion (the space may be for more than one person if safeguards are made for privacy, for example with curtains or a screen).
- See Support for New and Expectant Parents.
- Pumping and Storage
Employees are responsible for supplying their own personal pumping parts. Employees may store expressed milk in Medical Center refrigerators (except those used to store patient nourishment or medications) or in the employee’s personal cooler. Expressed milk kept in Medical Center refrigerators must be in sealed containers. - Complaint Process
Failing to provide an employee the opportunity to express milk may constitute a failure to provide reasonable accommodation for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, which is a form of potential discrimination under the PADH Policy. Per policy, employees may file complaints with the University's Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (“EOCR”); see procedures on EOCR’s website. Employees may also file a complaint with the external agency authorized to accept such complaints or pursue other remedies available to them under state or federal law.
- Breaks, including frequency and duration
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School of Medicine Lactation Credits
Lactation Rooms
Below you will find a list of lactation rooms (commonly called "nursing rooms" or "pumping rooms") available across the University.
UVA Health On Grounds - Lactation Rooms
Current list of lactation rooms on Grounds.
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Medical Center On Grounds
Main Hospital
- Basement - Room G441
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
- Basement - Room G451
- Department/Division: Graduate Medical Education
- Key Access Needed: GME Trainees ONLY
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
- 8th Floor - Room 8542
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
- 8th Floor - Room 8543
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: N/A. First come first serve. Nearby room: 8542.
South Tower
- 1st Floor – Room 1136
- Department/Division: Emergency Department
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
- 2nd Floor – Room M243
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
- 2nd Floor – Room M245
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: N/A. First come first serve. Nearby room: M243.
Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center
- Ground Floor – Room G064
- Department/Division: Radiation Oncology
- Phone Number: 434.297.4239
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
Education Resource Center
- 3rd Floor – Room 3515
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
Battle Building
- 3rd Floor – Room 3260
- Department/Division: Departments of Pediatrics
- Persons of Contact: Rebecca Lewis
- Phone Number: 434.982.3316
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
West Complex
- 2nd Floor – Clinical Department Wing (CDW) Room 2654
- Persons of Contact: Scott Noble
- Phone Number: 434.924.6637
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
- See map below:

- Basement - Room G441
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Claude Moore Health Sciences Library
1st Floor – Room 1505 (Cabell Room)
- Department/Division: Health Sciences Library
- Persons of Contact: Service Desk
- Phone Number: 434.924.5444
- Key Access Needed: Key from front desk
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
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Claude Moore Education Building
1st Floor Room 1125 (located in the Admissions Suite)
- Department/Division: Medical Education
- Persons of Contact: Scott Noble
- Phone Number: 434.924.6637
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
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School of Nursing (McLeod Hall)
4th Floor – Room 4020
- Department/Division: School of Nursing
- Persons of Contact: Becky Bowers
- Phone Number: 434.924.0133
- Key Access Needed: Key code needed from Becky Bowers
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Medical Research Buildings
- MR-4 – 1st Floor – Room 1104
- Punch code for access: 2-5-1
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
- MR-6 – 2nd Floor – Room 2909
- Persons of Contact: Scott Noble
- Phone Number: 434.924.6637 (Contact via email for faster response)
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please check UVACollab for scheduling process.
- MR-4 – 1st Floor – Room 1104
UVA Health Local Off Grounds - Lactation Rooms
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Cancer Care, Pantops
UVA Health Cancer Care, Pantops
652 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 310
- Room 3141 (two spots available)
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room.
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Fontaine Research Park
- Building 400 – 3rd Floor – Room 3319
- Address: 400 Ray C Hunt Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room.
- Building 415 – 2nd Floor – Room 2103
- Address: 415 Ray C Hunt Dr. Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room.
- Building 450 – 2nd Floor – Room 2317H
- Department/Division: Aurbach Medical Research
- Address: 450 Ray C Hunt Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room.
- Building 480 – 2nd Floor – Room 217
- Address: 480 Ray C Hunt Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Key Access Needed:
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room.
- Building 500 – 1st Floor – Room 1120
- Address: 500 Ray C Hunt Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room.
- Building 545 – 3rd Floor – Room 3105
- Address: 545 Ray C Hunt Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room.
- Building 560 – 4th Floor – Room 4005
- Address: 560 Ray C Hunt Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room.
- Building 400 – 3rd Floor – Room 3319
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Northridge Medical Park
- 1st Floor – Room 1018A
- Address: 2955 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Key Access Needed: No
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
- 1st Floor – Room 1018A
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Ortho Center @ Ivy Road
- 1st Floor – Room 1102
- Address: 2280 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Persons of Contact: Rebecca Lewis
- Key Access Needed: No
- Fridge Access Code: Look for “Staff” sticker on the cabinets. Inside cabinet is instructions and fridge access code.
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room HERE.
- 2nd Floor – Room 2101
- Address: 2280 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Persons of Contact: Rebecca Lewis
- Key Access Needed: No
- Fridge Access Code: Look for “Staff” sticker on the cabinets. Inside cabinet is instructions and fridge access code.
- Scheduling: N/A. First come first serve. Nearby room: 1102.
- 1st Floor – Room 1102
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Riverside
Riverside Pediatric Behavioral Health Clinic
- Room 1020
- Address: 2325 Seminole Lane, Suite 100
- Badge Access
- Scheduling: Please schedule a room on the Space Availability Calendar - UVA Health System Lactation Rooms - UVA Health Sciences Claude Moore Health Sciences Library
UVA Health Off Grounds - Lactation Rooms
Current list of lactation rooms off Grounds.
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Culpeper
- Room 104
- Address: 501 Sunset Lane, Culpeper, VA 22701
- Room 104
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UVA Nephrology Lynchburg
- Room 123
- Address: 103 Clifton St Suite B, Lynchburg, VA 24501
- Room 123
University Academic Buildings Lactation Rooms
Current list of lactation rooms within Academic Buildings.
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2400 Old Ivy
Room: TBD
Department/Division: Training Area
Address: 2400 Old Ivy Road
Persons of Contact: Michael Phillips
Phone Number: 434.982.5549
Key Access: No -
2420 Old Ivy
Room: 3014
Department/Division: Human Resources
Address: 2420 Old Ivy Road
Persons of Contact: Front Desk
Phone Number:
Key Access: Yes -
Carruthers Hall
Room: TBD
Department/Division: Finance
Address: 1001 N Emmet St
Persons of Contact: Stacey Rittenhouse
Phone Number: 434.924.4294
Key Access: TBD -
Chemistry
Room: 303
Department/Division: College of Arts & Sciences
Address: 409 McCormick Road
Persons of Contact: Aimee Steussy
Phone Number: 434.924.4027
Key Access: Card Reader. Contact POC for Access -
Clemons Library
Room: 311
Department/Division: University Libraries
Address: 1 Newcomb Road
Persons of Contact: Public Services
Phone Number: 434.924.3021
Key Access: Check-out key from Clemons 4th floor desk -
Contemplative Commons
Room: 200
Department/Division: Contemplative Sciences Center
Address: 403 Emmet St S
Persons of Contact: Matt Ellis
Phone Number: 434.982.6057
Key Access: The door is open and has a lock on it. -
Darden School of Business
Room: Abbott Center Wellness Rooms 1 and 2
Address: 100 Darden Boulevard
Persons of Contact: Office of Student Affairs
Email: OSA@darden.virginia.edu
Phone: 434.924.3655 -
Facilities Management
Room: Temp
Department/Division: Human Resources/Training
Address: 575 Alderman Road
Persons of Contact: Customer Support Desk
Phone Number: 434.924.1777
Key Access: Yes -
New Cabell Hall
Room: 053A
Department/Division: College of Arts & Sciences
Address: 1605 Jefferson Park Avenue
Persons of Contact: Aimee Steussy
Phone Number: 434.924.4027
Key Access: Card Reader. Contact POC for Access -
Rice Hall
Room: 201
Department/Division: School of Engineering and Applied Science
Address: Engineers Way (at Whitehead Road)
Persons of Contact: Computer Science Department Office
Phone Number: 434.982.2226
Key Access: Key in Rice Hall 527 -
Ridley Hall
Room: 257
Department/Division: School of Education and Human Development
Address: 405 Emmet St
Persons of Contact: Kelly Korrington
Phone Number: 434.243.9226
Key Access: No -
School of Law
Room: TBD
Department/Division: Student Affairs
Address: 580 Massie Road
Persons of Contact: Lisa Napier
Phone Number: 434.924.3737
Key Access: Call to receive room number and access code -
Student Health & Wellness Center Level 1
Room:
Department/Division: Wellness Suite
Address: 550 Brandon Ave
Persons of Contact:
Phone Number:
Key Access: No -
Thornton Hall
Room: A013
Department/Division: School of Engineering & Applied Science
Address: Thornton Hall 351 McCormick Rd.
Persons of Contact: Engineering Dean’s Office
Phone Number: 434.924.3310
Key Access: Key in Thornton A124 Dean’s Office -
Women’s Center
Room: Floating Space
Department/Division:
Address: 1400 University Ave
Persons of Contact: Latoria White
Phone Number: 434.982.2252
Key Access: No -
Zehmer Hall
Room: TBD
Department/Division: School of Continuing & Prof. Studies/ Conference Center
Address: 104 Midmont Ln
Persons of Contact: Kathy Roy
Phone Number: 434.982.5282
Key Access: TBD
