Southampton unveils new lactation/nursing room

Southampton unveils new lactation/nursing room

 

The Southampton School District recently cut the ribbon on a new lactation/nursing room at its district office.

The welcoming and cozy room is now the fourth lactation/nursing room that the district has unveiled. Other rooms were created at the elementary, intermediate and high schools. Each room features a recliner, fridge and table that are complemented with a rug, lamp, pillow, throw blanket, snacks and a pump to express milk.

“We wanted to make the rooms feel special, private and comfortable,” said Darren Phillips, director of athletics, physical education, health and wellness.

As per New York State law, the district has always provided lactation/nursing facilities in its buildings, but Phillips said the new rooms provide additional comforts for nursing mothers. To create the rooms, Phillips teamed up with high school administrators, the Breastfeeding, Resiliency, Engagement and Empowerment Coalition, and Thea Fry, representative of the Southampton Teachers Association Safety and Health Committee. The district also updated its breastfeeding policies to further support mothers.