Comfortable lactation spaces, quiet dignity, and policy-driven support mark a big step for nursing parents
Breastfeeding parents at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus now have a place to pump or nurse without hiding in stairwells or struggling with privacy. This week, the Savannah-based campus received official recognition as a “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” site—an effort rooted in both practicality and quiet compassion.
It’s more than just a label. This change reflects a growing push across U.S. campuses and workplaces to treat breastfeeding not as a problem to be solved but as a basic need that deserves respect—and a little room.
The Setup: Sink, Fridge, and Some Peace of Mind
The lactation room at Armstrong isn’t flashy, but it’s exactly what’s needed.
Inside, there’s a cushy chair that looks like it belongs in someone’s living room, a fridge for storing milk, and a clean sink for quick rinses. It’s quiet. It locks. And more than anything, it respects a parent’s privacy.
One sentence here.
And now three. Faculty and students alike can use the space, which meets all requirements under Georgia’s Pump Act. That law—along with Title IX rules—ensures break time and clean facilities for anyone nursing or pumping during the day. It’s not optional; it’s a legal right.
Some folks might see it as a small thing. But for nursing parents trying to balance a full course load or teaching schedule, it’s a lifeline.
Beyond Compliance: This Is About Being Seen
Dr. Nandi Marshall, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, put it plainly: “When you’re providing resources such as this for folks who need support, people feel seen.”
That sentiment resonates far beyond the bricks and mortar of the lactation room.
She added that it signals to students and staff that the university isn’t just checking boxes—it’s trying to meet people where they are. “It speaks to a whole other level,” she said, reflecting on how policy translates into real-life comfort.
In a university setting where many students juggle school, work, and caregiving, that matters more than people realize.
Here’s What the Law Actually Requires—and What Georgia Southern Is Doing
The university’s new designation falls in line with the Georgia Lactation Act, also known as the “Georgia Pump Act,” which went into effect in 2021.
That law mandates that public employers provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for breastfeeding employees to express milk. For educational institutions, this applies to both staff and, increasingly, students.
And here’s what Armstrong’s campus offers right now:
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Clean, private space for pumping or nursing
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Refrigerator for breast milk storage
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Sink access for washing hands and pump parts
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Comfortable seating and secure, locking doors
These aren’t luxuries—they’re basic protections for anyone trying to balance parenting with academic or professional goals.
One short sentence here.
Marshall says feedback has been positive so far, especially from new faculty and returning student-parents. “Sometimes you don’t realize what people need until they finally get it,” she said.
Comparing Across Campuses: Who’s Doing What?
Georgia Southern has three campuses: Armstrong (Savannah), Statesboro, and Liberty (Hinesville).
Right now, Armstrong and Statesboro have designated lactation rooms. Liberty is still working on plans to implement a similar facility by next year, according to school officials.
Let’s look at the current breakdown:
| Campus | Lactation Room Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Armstrong | Yes | Fully equipped, now certified |
| Statesboro | Yes | Available in student center |
| Liberty | No (planned) | Expected by late 2026 |
Students say it helps to know that these conversations are happening—not just at the federal level, but right on their own campus. “It’s comforting,” said Nina Joseph, a nursing student who gave birth last spring. “I don’t have to ask for special treatment. It’s just… there.”
More Than A Room—It’s A Cultural Shift
While the room itself is quiet, the symbolism is loud.
Universities have long struggled to accommodate students with children, often treating parenthood like a side note rather than a core part of some people’s lives. The lactation room changes that—bit by bit.
Two short ones here.
And then a longer one with three. It’s not just about milk or pumps or law compliance. It’s about a cultural shift, where campuses start to recognize that academic success doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone. For some, it means graduating while still managing 2 a.m. feedings and daycare drop-offs.
