Jonesboro—Mothers on the Arkansas State University campus now have access to eight new lactation rooms designed to provide privacy and comfort for nursing or pumping milk. The addition aims to address the challenges faced by students, employees, and visitors who balance work, education, and family responsibilities.
“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, A-State’s director of social media strategies. Anderson, who returned to work after having her second child this June, said, “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.”
Each of the lactation rooms has a locking door, an electrical outlet, a comfortable chair, and nearby access to water, ensuring a secure and functional space. These rooms are located in high-traffic buildings across campus, including Centennial Bank Stadium, where a room has been added next to entrance W2 for use during athletic events.
Dr. Tiffany Mosley, director of institutional integrity and Title IX compliance, emphasized the health benefits these spaces provide for both mothers and their children. “A lactation room is a dedicated private space where nursing mothers can express their milk through pumping or feeding. It is particularly important for maintaining milk supply when away from their infant,” Mosley explained. She further noted that such facilities help prevent potential complications like clogged ducts or mastitis and contribute to improved employee retention, academic success, and a stronger sense of campus support.
Anderson highlighted how these rooms create a supportive environment without requiring mothers to make special requests. “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,” she said.
The university hopes to expand the available spaces in the future, aiming to serve the growing needs of families on campus. Mosley shared that the initiative reflects A-State's commitment to fostering a family-friendly environment. “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. These facilities allow mothers to focus on their education and careers while also meeting the needs of their family.”
For Anderson, these additions reflect the university’s effort to address the real-world needs of its community. “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.”
The initiative is part of Arkansas State University's broader goal to create a more inclusive and accommodating campus for all. Additional lactation spaces and other resources for families may be added as demand grows.