Supporting Parents at Missouri State University

August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to recognize the importance of supporting breastfeeding families and increasing awareness of the resources available to parents. Led by the United States Breastfeeding Committee, National Breastfeeding Month highlights the importance of access, education, and support systems that help families meet their breastfeeding goals.

At Missouri State University, we are committed to supporting students, faculty, and staff through every stage of pregnancy, parenting, and postpartum. Creating a supportive environment helps parenting individuals balance their personal and professional responsibilities while feeling respected and valued.

Accommodation Support for Pregnant and Parenting Bears

Missouri State’s Pregnancy and Related Accommodations Policy provides a framework for supporting pregnant and parenting individuals by offering reasonable adjustments that help support academic and employment success.

Accommodations may include:

• Flexible work or class schedules.
• Adjusted deadlines or duties.
• Breaks for rest, hydration, or lactation.
• Access to private lactation spaces.

Employees and students who need pregnancy or related accommodations are encouraged to connect with the appropriate campus resources to discuss available options.

Lactation Rooms Available Across Campus

Missouri State provides lactation rooms across campus for nursing parents and individuals who need to express breast milk in a clean, private, and secure environment.

These spaces are available to support employees and students who are balancing work, academics, and parenting responsibilities. Review a list of available lactation rooms and locations.

Emotional and Educational Support Through the Employee Assistance Program

Balancing work, family, and parenting responsibilities can bring many challenges. Missouri State employees and their household members have access to free, confidential support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

The EAP provides support by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year:

📞 314-729-4600 #2
📞 1-800-413-8008 #2

Employees can also access resources through MercyEAP @ MyLifeExpert.com by creating a personal account.

• MercyEAP @ MyLifeExpert.com
  • Create personal account
  • Company Code: MSU
  • EAP Website Flyer

The EAP website provides helpful information and resources related to pregnancy, postpartum wellness, and breastfeeding. Examples of available articles include:

• What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding?
• How Long Should a Mother Breastfeed?

Building a Culture of Care

Every parent’s journey is unique, and having access to support can make a meaningful difference. By recognizing National Breastfeeding Month, Missouri State reaffirms its commitment to a campus culture where parenting individuals have access to resources, accommodations, and support.

Whether through workplace and academic accommodations, lactation resources, or emotional wellness support, Missouri State is committed to helping Bears balance work, study, and family with dignity and success.

Follow the HR Blog and Wellness Blog for updates on benefits, wellness resources, and campus initiatives.