Lactation rooms are available on Dixie State University’s campus for mothers in need of a quiet and private space.
The Women’s Resource Center is responsible for the mothers’ rooms on the fourth floor of the Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons Building in room 409, and within the Russell C. Taylor Health Science Building. The rooms are first come, first serve and available during the library’s regular business hours.
The room includes a sink, electrical outlet, refrigerator and comfortable chair for the mother to pump or nurse in, but the center asks that mothers bring their own pumps and supplies. The mother’s room guidelines state the room is not for changing or discarding diapers, or any other activity such as studying, meditating, napping or praying.
Dr. Florence Bacabac, an associate professor of English and the WRC director, said in an article published in the Dixie Sun News last semester it is the WRC’s duty to aid women in reaching their academic and professional goals and relieve unneeded stress so these women can focus on those goals.
“Accommodations for student mothers who are nursing on campus definitely help [student mothers] as they complete their degrees at DSU,” Bacabac said. “These rooms are also open to mothers who are DSU faculty and staff.”
Donna Walter, a senior psychology major from Washington, is one of the students employed by the WRC through work study. She said it is important for all mothers to have this resource available.
“These rooms provide the mothers time they can spend with their children in between classes,” Walter said. “For the staff, as well as a student, it is super important because they do not have time in between teaching or going to class, meetings, etc. And other tasks that are required by them to be employed or attending school here at DSU.”
Mothers’ rooms are one of the few resources available to on-campus mothers, Walter said. She said the most needed resource is an affordable day care so mothers don’t have to bring their children to class or abstain from class altogether when a baby sitter or family member cannot come.
“[Students] cannot access any drop in day care because it is too expensive or no [room] at the local day cares,” Walter said. “Students are really struggling with this one, especially those who have moved here and are young families with no one close by to help them out with their children when they need to go to class or take a test.
For those interested in one-time access to the library’s mothers’ room, they can visit the circulation desk on the second floor of the Holland to check out an access card. Faculty, staff and students who are in need of more than a one-time pass may apply for a key card by emailing with their name, DSU student id number, and email address.
For those wishing to use the mother’s room in the Russell C. Taylor Health Science Building, the WRC asks that they speak with the building’s secretary.
