URI opens two lactation sites; others planned

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – The University of Rhode Island says it is attempting to help its female employees and students strike a balance between work and family life by offering a model lactation program.
Two “mothers’ room” lactation sites have been opened on the Kingston campus. One of these is outfitted with a hospital-grade breast pump, a sink, refrigerator, rocking chair, and a resource library for new mothers. Locations on the Narragansett Bay and Providence campuses are also opening this spring. Data is being collected from users for future planning.
Barbara Silver, who directs the ADVANCE program aimed at promoting the careers of women in science and engineering, and sociology professor Helen Mederer, who chairs the URI Work-Life Committee, received an $80,000 grant in the spring of 2008 from the Elsevier Foundation to implement the lactation program at the university. This program includes establishing a university lactation policy, which was established this past February. •