College of Nursing Opens New Lactation Room for Breastfeeding Mothers
Pictured above from left to right: Dr. Janie Heath, dean and Warwick Professor of Nursing, Associate Professor Ana Linares, DNS, RN, IBCLC, Erika Chambers, director of Work-Life for UKHR, and undergraduate nursing students Liz Carr and Caroline Newman.
Students, faculty and staff in the College of Nursing and members of the University of Kentucky community no longer have to walk to the Kentucky Clinic to find the nearest lactation space. Thanks to Associate Professor Ana Linares, DNS, RN, IBCLC, Lecturer Paula Kral, MSN, RN, and members of the Undergraduate Nursing Activities and Advisory Council (UNAAC), the College now has its own Lactation Room on the six floor, room 604.
“We wanted the College to recognize the importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants, and the opening represents our commitment to make students who choose to breastfeed aware of available, appropriate environments to pump their breast milk or breastfeed,” says Dr. Linares. “Our goal is to support mothers in their breastfeeding endeavors and to give them an encouraging, convenient way to feed their babies.”
The College held an opening event on Aug. 25 during which the community gathered to speak to Dr. Ana Linares and UNAAC students about the new initiative.
Nursing junior and UNAAC member Lizz Carr, originally from Atlanta, Ga., was always interested in midwifery, so when Dr. Linares approached UNAAC with the idea, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to learn more about pregnancy and childbirth.
“I’m very proud of this initiative,” says Carr. “I think the new lactation room is a perfect example of the way that the College actively looks for ways to support its students, faculty and staff both academically and otherwise. With the new room, we hope more mothers will feel encouraged and empowered to breastfeed throughout that fist year of their child’s life.”
Nursing senior Caroline Newman from Fort Thomas, Ky. worked with Carr to formulate costs and present the lactation room proposal to student government. She was inspired by the initiative because her sister had just delivered a baby. “Knowing that our facilities are creating rooms specifically for breastfeeding and pumping is comforting,” says Newman.
Those who wish to use the lactation room may obtain the key from the 6th floor Information Desk attendant located directly across from the room. There is a sign next to the door that visitors can changed to “vacant” or “occupied” so they may pump or breastfeed in private.
“This is just one of the many steps we are taking as a College to make a more inclusive, welcoming environment for our students, staff and faculty,” says Dr. Janie Heath, dean and Warwick Professor of Nursing. “We are excited for these mothers to have their own space to feed their little ones so they grow into beautiful, healthy babies!”
