Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – A new addition at Arkansas State University will make life easier for nursing mothers. Eight lactation rooms are now available in spaces across campus. 

“The need for these spaces really comes down to removing barriers for mothers who are trying to balance school, work and family,” said Rachel Anderson, director of social media strategies. “Nursing and pumping are nonnegotiable, time-sensitive needs, and without a designated space, mothers are left trying to find somewhere private on their own, pumping or nursing in their car, or rearranging their day around leaving campus.” 

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Anderson, who had her second child in June, said this need was a concern for her, and she knew it was also a concern for others on campus.  

“This is something that has become especially personal to me,” Anderson added. “As I returned to work, I knew I would be relying on these spaces across campus. It made me think about how many other mothers at A-State, including students, faculty, staff and visitors, are trying to navigate those same needs every day.” 

Dr. Tiffany Mosley, director of Institutional Integrity and Title IX, said these rooms are beneficial to mothers for the health of both themselves and their babies. 

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“A lactation room is a dedicated private space where nursing mothers can express their milk through pumping or feeding,” said Mosley. “It is especially useful for mothers to maintain their milk supply when away from their infant.”

Facilitating access to these rooms serves multiple purposes for anyone in need of the spaces.  

“The significance of having a lactation space on campus allows for mothers to maintain their milk supply while working or attending classes,” Mosley added. “It promotes academic success and employee retention, and it shows A-State’s support for being committed to fostering a supportive campus environment for all. Without access to lactation spaces on campus, mothers risk having medical complications such as clogged ducts, mastitis or pain and discomfort.” 

“A student shouldn’t have to choose between attending class and meeting the needs of her baby, and an employee shouldn’t have to choose between doing her job and maintaining her feeding or pumping schedule,” continued Anderson.  

Each room includes a locking door, an electrical outlet, a comfortable chair, and access to a water source nearby. 

The rooms are located in the following spaces:   

• Room 208 of the Dean B. Ellis Library 
• Room 239 of HPESS (Health, Physical Education and Sports Sciences Complex) 
• Room 4097 of Humanities and Social Sciences 
• Room 3022 of Reng Student Union 
• Room 176 of Reynolds Center for Health Sciences 
• Rooms 1207 and 1209 in the College of Veterinary Medicine 
• Room C030 in Centennial Bank Stadium

These buildings have been recognized as having the highest traffic, including students, employees and visitors. Mosley said they hope to have more spaces added to this list in the future. 

The newest space, just in time for the first home football game, located in Centennial Bank Stadium, is open to anyone who needs to use it while attending athletic events. This space is right beside entrance W2, which is the main gate into the stadium. 

“The private spaces are clean and secure and offer students, employees and visitors the opportunity to continue breastfeeding while attending class, teaching, working or participating in activities,” shared Mosley. “Access to lactation spaces allows mothers to focus on their education and careers while also meeting the needs of their family.” 

Anderson said having these family-friendly additions to campus means there is access without having to ask for special treatment. Whether someone needs a place to pump, care for their infant, change a diaper, or care for an older child, there is a growing number of spaces to take care of the basic needs of those with children. 

“I want to be able to come to work or bring my family to an A-State event and know those needs have already been considered,” she added. “My baby will benefit from the lactation rooms while I’m working on campus, and my 3-year-old will benefit from family-friendly facilities when we come to games and events together. These aren’t hypothetical families we’re designing for. They’re our students, our employees, our visitors, our fans and, in my case, my own family.” 

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