First ‘Breastfeeding-Friendly Campus’

By Vicotria Cruz

Contributer

The university has taken a major step in supporting faculty and student parents by becoming the first university in the state to earn the title of a “Breastfeeding-Friendly Campus”.  

Awarded by the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition, this highlights institutions that have made a commitment to creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all their students, employees and visitors. 

“This just goes to show that institutions are totally capable of supporting students outside the classroom, everyone deserves the support they need to pursue higher education,” biology major Melany Villavicencio, a junior said. 

Ensuring individuals who breastfeed have access to comfortable, private and well-equipped lactation spaces is part of the universities initiative to create a family-friendly campus.  

There are many lactation spaces on campus currently, which can be found in Buley Library, the College of Health and Human Services, Jennings Hall, and the Wintergreen Building. 

These rooms have been designed to provide a clean and quiet environment that is stocked with the necessary amenities.

Including privacy curtains, seating, electrical outlets, microwaves and informational resources.  

Room 117 in the Buley Library can be reserved online with access provided at the Circulation Desk.

The room in the Wintergreen Building is the only room that offers open-access lactation rooms that can be locked from the inside for privacy. 

The rooms in Jennings Hall and the College of Health and Human services require a key to be unlocked  

The university’s faculty and staff have also recognized that some students may need more immediate assistance and so they have introduced temporary lactation spaces known as “swing spaces.” 

They have been designated by faculty, staff, and student volunteers who are called Breastfeeding Champions. 

 Offices around campus that display the Breastfeeding Champion sticker use it as an indicator of a welcoming space where individuals can pump as needed.  

Public health major Natalia Gillner, a sophomore, expresses her gratitude for the lactation spaces. 

“It’s reassuring to know that our campus acknowledges the needs of breastfeeding students,” Gillner said. “I am glad to be a part of a community that recognizes how difficult early motherhood can be.”  

The university is setting an example for other institutions in the state to foster a breastfeeding-friendly environment. 

Through continued awareness and accessibility, the university can ensure that faculty and students feel supported and valued while they pursue their academic and professional development.  

To reserve lactation rooms, students, staff and faculty must email vancourm1@southernct.edu.