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.
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About Student Affairs at App State
Student Affairs at App State supports student success and well-being by fostering a culture of care, inclusion and engagement. Its mission is to develop lifelong learners and dynamic leaders through meaningful experiences that challenge and support students. Grounded in a commitment to care, engage and transform, Student Affairs creates a student-centered environment that encourages resilience, leadership, service and global learning. Student Affairs encompasses the following units: Campus Activities, Case Management, the Child Development Center, Community-Engaged Leadership, Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of the Dean of Students, New Mountaineer and Family Engagement, Off-Campus Student Services, Plemmons Student Union, Student Conduct, M.S. Shook Student Health Service, Student Legal Services, Student Veteran Services, University Recreation, and Wellness and Prevention Services. 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, cost-effective education. 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.
