One of the lactation nooks complete with a sound machine and dimmable lamp. Photo by Marie Freeman
The image to the left shows one of three available lactation nooks — complete with a sound machine and dimmable lamp — in the Lactation Lounge located in Appalachian's Plemmons Student Union. The image to the right displays the Lactation Lounge's common area, which includes a refrigerator, a microwave and storage lockers. Photos by Marie Freeman
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University recently opened a new Lactation Lounge in its Plemmons Student Union to provide support to mothers in the Appalachian Community. This designated space for breastfeeding and/or expressing milk is available to faculty, staff, students and campus visitors during the facility’s normal operating hours.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 80% of new mothers in the U.S. breastfeed, and the U.S. Census Bureau reports that six out of every 10 new mothers are in the workforce.
Appalachian staff conducted extensive research on best practices for lactation suites, including seating, lighting, temperature control, décor and spaces for breastmilk storage and equipment sterilization.
The common area in Appalachian’s Lactation Lounge includes a refrigerator, a microwave and storage lockers. Photo by Marie Freeman
The Lactation Lounge offers the following:
- A keycode access door.
- Three private lactation nooks each with a chair, foot stool, table, dimmable lamp, sound machine and an electrical outlet with USB ports for charging cell phones and other electronics.
- A common area with a sink, drying rack, microwave, refrigerator, full-length mirror and lockers for storing personal items.
- Two zones of lighting: one above the common area and one above the lactation nooks for optimal aesthetics.
The Lactation Lounge in Appalachian’s Plemmons Student Union features three lactation nooks and a common area. Photo by Marie Freeman
Additionally, users may reserve lockers and combination lock storage baskets in the refrigerator for regular or one-time use.
Appalachian also provides a Mother’s Lounge on the fourth floor of its Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences, which features a changing table, refrigerator, mirror, chair, foot stool and side table.
The Lactation Lounge is located in Room 219E of the union. To use the space, visit the Plemmons Student Union Information Desk or call 828-262-3030.
What do you think?
Share your feedback on this story.
About the Division of Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University is committed to the development of lifelong learners and leaders by engaging and challenging students within a culture of care and inclusion. The division consists of 16 units that offer activities and services to help students develop more fully by becoming global learners, fostering healthy relationships, appreciating diversity and different perspectives, understanding community responsibility, enhancing self-awareness, developing autonomy and living ethically. These units include the Career Development Center, Campus Activities, Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, Wellness and Prevention Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Service, Parent and Family Services, University Housing, Student Conduct, University Recreation, Intercultural Student Affairs, Student Legal Clinic and Off-Campus Student Services, Electronic Student Services, Child Development Center, and Staff Development and Strategic Initiatives. Learn more at https://studentaffairs.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
