At the request of the West Virginia University (WVU) Council for Women’s Concerns, WVU has developed an innovative plan for supporting mothers in their efforts to continue breastfeeding after returning to work or school.

Providing a comfortable and convenient space for mothers to breastfeed or breast pump is often a challenge due to lack of space, so WVU faculty and staff are volunteering their workspaces. This innovative Lactation Network will allow breastfeeding mothers to access space when they need it, but will facilitate the use of the space throughout the day for either work, breastfeeding, or breast pumping.

Other universities have dedicated rooms for breastfeeding, but access has proven to be difficult, especially on a large campus. But with lots of rooms available throughout the campus, breastfeeding mothers can conveniently access space from anywhere on campus.

Breastfeeding mothers are asked only to contact the volunteer in advance to arrange to use the space. While this is not seen as a permanent solution, it offers lots of benefits - convenience, cost containment, and a wonderful opportunity for cooperation among faculty, staff, and students!