An Evaluation of On-Campus Lactation Spaces for Student-Parents

Abstract

Background: Return to work is an established barrier to breastfeeding duration. Numerous studies have evaluated the effects of federal and workplace lactation policies, however few have considered the experiences of breastfeeding people returning to school. Research aim: This study evaluated the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of on-campus lactation spaces used by student-parents at a large urban university. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with student-parents (N=18) who had expressed milk on campus. Data collection and thematic analysis was based on the Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, and Quality (AAAQ) framework for evaluating health services from the human rights literature and adapted for this study. Results: For most student-parents with proximal access to a designated lactation space, room availability was exceptional and quality was marginally adequate. The provision of breast pumps, in-room sinks, and study desks were important aspects of quality discussed by the student-parents. Not all student-parents made use of the university’s designated lactation spaces either due to physical or informational inaccessibility. If designated lactation spaces were not convenient, student-parents found closer alternatives such as the bathroom, staff offices, or during class. Conclusion: Breastfeeding parents who return to school experience obstacles similar to those reported by employed parents who return to work. They require convenient access to appropriate spaces and sufficient privacy to express milk for their infants. In order to best support all learners, universities must consider the needs of this unique student population.