SCUP and University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Announces Study Results Exploring Lactation Policy and Facilities In US Higher Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 21, 2018

Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) and University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Announces Study Results Exploring Lactation Policy and Facilities In US Higher Education

Wide variability between how campuses accommodate the needs of breastfeeding mothers

(Ann Arbor, MI, September 21, 2018) SCUP and the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing announced the survey results from 114 US colleges and universities that begin to help document the levels, quality, and availability of lactation spaces and supports across campus for breastfeeding faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors.

The survey was a collaboration between the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and the Society for College and University Planning. “To our knowledge, this is the first research that documents which stakeholders are involved in the planning of lactation spaces, and the amount of variation in the features these spaces have,” said Dare Henry-Moss, one of the research leads. She adds, “We hope it will help colleges and universities evaluate the accommodations they provide to breastfeeding mothers, including faculty, staff, students, and visitors.”

Study observations include:

• 90% of respondents reported that their institution had dedicated lactation spaces, but the study suggests that awareness of their locations should be improved.
• 68% of respondents reported having a process or guideline for creating lactation spaces on campus, but there is a wide variation in approaches.
• collaborations are common; there are between two and six different campus entities involved in the planning for lactation spaces.

The study also provides detail on the most frequent amenities designed into lactation spaces, including furniture, fixtures, and portable supports.

“Through the excellent work of our research cohorts, this study will help higher education move toward a best planning practice for lactation spaces,” said Michael D. Moss, SCUP President.

The research team was Dare Henry-Moss, MPH; Joyce Lee, FAIA, LEED fellow; Diane L. Spatz, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN, and Principal Investigator; and SCUP.

Visit www.scup.org/wellness for the study, infographic, and other resources for institutions looking to expand or enhance their campus lactation program.

About the Society for College and University Planning
The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) is a community of higher education leaders responsible for the integration of planning on their campuses and for For more information, visit www.scup.org.

Contact
Kathleen Benton, Associate Director, Strategic Alliances, SCUP