UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Women who need to breastfeed or pump on campus now have another space to consider for that purpose. The Eberly College of Science, in partnership with Penn State Human Resources, has opened a new lactation station in Room 245 of Ritenour Building.
The cozy room features two comfortable chairs, a refrigerator and storage drawers. A Medela Symphony breast pump, courtesy of Human Resources’ Breastfeeding Support Program, is stationed there permanently for those interested in using a hospital-grade pump.
Teresa Diehl, associate dean for administration in the Eberly College of Science, was instrumental in creating the space.
“The Eberly College of Science, through the work of our active Climate and Diversity Committee, identified the need to help create a welcoming campus climate for our faculty, staff and students. It was our desire to identify a lactation room that was centrally located throughout our facilities,” Diehl said.
This is the second lactation station created by the college as part of the University’s Breastfeeding Support Program. The first room is located in Osmond Laboratory’s Room 3B.
“Because we understand that the University’s space constraints and those of our college can only be addressed through efficient use and flexibility, we contacted Human Resources to identify the room as a University resource,” said Diehl. “This room will be a valuable asset to faculty, staff and students in the core of campus.”
For more information on using the new lactation station in Ritenour, email the Breastfeeding Support Program at breastfeeding@psu.edu.