Healthy Boiler

Support provided for expecting parents, breastfeeding mothers

Human Resources is reminding faculty and staff that the University provides multiple resources to assist expecting parents as well as breastfeeding mothers after they have returned to work. Available resources support the physical health, behavioral health, financial wellness and work-life integration pillars of the Healthy Boiler Program. They are:

  • Paid Parental Leave (PPL) is provided as part of an employee’s benefits package
    • PPL provides parents additional flexibility and time to bond with their new child, adjust to new family situations and balance professional obligations.
    • Eligible employees receive up to 240 hours (6 weeks) if employed by the University for at least one continuous year, half-time or more, in a benefits-eligible position. If both parents are employed by the University, each parent may receive up to 240 hours of paid parental leave.
  • Future Moms, a wellness initiative offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield – Purdue’s medical plan administrator – answers questions, helps expecting parents make good choices and follow their healthcare provider’s plan of care and more. The program provides helpful resources and tools throughout pregnancy and delivery, including:
    • A toll-free number so women can talk to a nurse coach 24/7 about their pregnancy. A nurse also may call them from time to time to see how they’re doing.
    • The “Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy” book, which shows changes to expect for mom and baby during the next nine months.
    • A screening to check health risk for depression or early delivery.

The Future Moms program is available at no cost to benefits-eligible faculty and staff covered on a Purdue health plan as well as spouses and dependents ages 18 through 25 covered on a Purdue health plan. View the Future Moms’ Member video for more information. Once pregnancy is confirmed, individuals can call Anthem toll-free at 800-828-5891 and a registered nurse will get you started.

  • To help mothers be successful in their transition back to work after having a child, the Lactation Support Program includes the locations of all campus lactation spaces on the West Lafayette campus and a mother's information packet. Additional resources available include how to obtain lactation consulting through University health plans, as well as local and national resources for additional support.

All Purdue University faculty and staff health plans cover breast pumps and supplies under the Women’s Health Provision at 100 percent, not subject to deductible. This benefit is limited to the purchase or rental of one breast pump per year as ordered or prescribed by a physician. Rental is also allowed up to the purchase price and includes related supplies. Information is available on the “Lactation Resources” web page on the Family Friendly website. To get started, register for the Lactation Support Program here.

Questions

Contact Human Resources at 765-494-2222, toll free at 877-725-0222 or via email at hr@purdue.edu with any questions.