lactation room question

[suwannee]

My little sis just started taking classes towards a new degree today. She is nursing her six month old. She spoke to the assistant dean for student affairs last week about a lactation room, and this person told her in thirty years no one had ever asked for one but she would try to find something for her. This lady called her back today and suggested- an outdoor public restroom and for my sister to bring a stadium seat with her!! My sister isnt even sure there is a plug in there. She said it was dirty and gross. I was trying to give her advice- like a study room in the library or reserving a conference room but she said she already asked and was told the study rooms have clear glass and the conf rooms are double booked. She lives in FL so pumping quickly in her car would be tough bc of the heat.
Any suggestions for her? I am really appalled for her.

[Marsupialmom]

I would check the school nurse instead.

[white_queen_22]

What state is she in? I would definately NOT nurse in the gross public restroom.

[suwannee]

She is in Florida.

[PatioGardener]

Is she pumping? At my old school, which had no convenient room for pumping in the science building, several profs would give up their offices for students to pump. No way would they have suggested a restroom - that is just gross.

Perhaps she can ask the prof?

[justthinkn]

That's awful! The one time I needed to pump at school (an all-day conference), they arranged for me to use an empty office... And when by freak chance, the seminary president needed to borrow the space for an important phone call, they came to check first and make sure it didn't mess with my pumping schedule!

I would be outraged, and would check to see if there are any official policies on the books regarding supporting lactation. If not, check with women's concerns groups/committees on the campus to get some advocates in your corner.

[ErikaS57]

Hmm... I guess worst case could she either - use her car? Or, use one of the study rooms but drape a hooter hider over herself? I've never had a problem with NIP, but would feel funny PIP - covered might help I guess.

[Dov'sMom]

I'd ask about an unused office or even if there's a space in Student Affairs that she could use for certain times every day. Graduate student office space?

[tbone_kneegrabber]

She could contact the women's center, most schools have a women's center nowadays, they may be able to help her or help her find a place to pump.

[evermore82]

I cannot believe she suggested a restroom! Ick! I would be sure to educate her on sanitary issues. Seriously.

When I was in school, I was still nursing my oldest. I was able to pump in the commuter lounge. There was a large rec area with comfy seating and two or three small study rooms with tables and chairs. Several mamas with young babies took turns pumping in these rooms. We would hang a sign on the door with a picture of a nursing baby that read "Occupied." The women's center designated this area in the commuter lounge for nursing mamas. The rooms were clean and nice, and we had a schedule posted outside stating when the room was to be occupied. We could even use the commuter fridge to store milk in (though I was not comfortable leaving my milk unattended, you know?).

Like tbone said, definitely see if there is a women's center to turn to, or a commuter lounge. Otherwise ask if someone would be willing to let her borrow office space occasionally. You will find that people are usually pretty open.

Good luck!

[red17]

First, s to your sister. And too. It is challenging bfing in an environment like a college.

She must have an advisor who is assigned to her. I'd have her go to them and ask for assistance. They may be able to allow her to use their office if her pumping schedule is with when the advisor is not in the office. They may know of an empty office. And/or as a pp said, check with the Women's Affairs office. There must be other mamma's on campus who have faced or are facing the same issues. What schoolis she at?

[_betsy_]

I was going to suggest speaking with the head of her major department, or the school health clinic.

[foreverinbluejeans]

With a six month old she may not have to pump at all. Classes usually last 1 to 3 hours. A six month old may either be able to wait that long or could be fed solids while she is gone. Nursing Mother, Working Mother by Pryor discusses many options that have been used by moms that are away from their babies.

If she had problems with leaking she could try breast shells. Yes, bathrooms are gross for pumping if the milk is going to be used for the baby. If the milk isn't going to be used for the baby bathrooms are an alternative for expressing or pumping for comfort.

I was able to breastfeed 3 children while attending undergrad/grad school in the 1980's. Pumping was not as popular then as it is now. I worked out my schedule so that I wouldn't be away more than two hours when they were less than a year.

[mommaknowsbest]

Well,my first angry response, would be to tell the AD SHE should eat her lunch in an outdoor bathroom!

Practically.....I agree with the above pps. Have her talk(can you or a friend go with her?)to her advisor,health clinic,women's groups,professor(any in the dept),or, look into a close womens lounge(some campuses have really nice ones!)...maybe she can put up a note,asking for other bfing moms for help.

Also, I agree with the above poster....she may not need to pump. It's obviously going to depend on how long she is away from her babe.

Let us know how it works out.