Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Accommodations

Newborn baby.

Supporting our students and employees includes supporting family-friendly policies and practices.  If you are a new parent or if you will be soon, here is information that will help.

On this page:

For Employees

Pregnancy, childbirth and childcare leave is available when the employee cannot work for pregnancy- or childbirth-related reasons, and for caring for the child following childbirth or adoption. 

If you are pregnant and require workplace accommodations, you may obtain them through the same process as for any other medical or disability-related accommodations.  Accommodations may include more frequent breaks, the reassignment of non-essential work functions, ergonomic furniture, or other measures that can enable you to work.

The Family and Medical Leave Act provides leave entitlement and job protection.

For Students

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) can assist you with obtaining extensions for the completion of course requirements when these are necessary as a result of pregnancy and childbirth.  You cannot be required to resign a course or leave your field of study because of pregnancy, childbirth or adoption.

UB also has housing options for families.

Breastfeeding Accommodations

If you are nursing, you 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 has outlined these rights in its guidance, Rights of Nursing Mothers.  These rights apply regardless of gender identity.  Employees should provide their supervisors with as much notice as possible to ensure that appropriate space can be identified.  Employees and students can also contact EDI, the University's Office of Employee Relations or Office of Work/Life Balance for assistance in identifying appropriate locations.

On-Campus Child Care

UB's Child Care Center offers affordable, convenient and quality child care on the North and South Campuses.