U of A and UASU unveil new lactation station

On May 30, the University of Alberta held a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the opening of a new lactation pod on campus. The event was apart of the university’s celebration of the Global Day of Parents on June 1.

Located on the ground floor of the Students’ Union Building (SUB), the Mamava lactation pod is a private room accessible to students, faculty, and staff through the Mamava mobile app. The initiative is a collaboration between the Office of the Dean of Students and the U of A’s Students’ Union (UASU). 

Kevin Friese, assistant dean of students (health, wellness, and student services), said that the initiative aims to make student parents feel more welcome and accommodated on campus.

“This really represents an opportunity for us to ensure that we are demonstrating that we have spaces available for all members of our community,” Friese said.

Logan West, UASU vice-president (student life), shared her excitement about bringing the project to fruition.

“Supporting students who parent is a key commitment for the SU, and we are happy to take this step forward in having a space in our building for students who are breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and pumping to use.”

UASU Vice-president (operations and finance) Nathan Thiessen and West both spoke to The Gateway about the opening. West expressed her gratitude for the work of the previous UASU executive team on this project.

“We look forward to continuing to take steps forward in supporting students who parent on our campus,” West said.

“When we can utilize student spaces to best serve all members of our community, in this case, students who parent, it creates real, tangible benefits for students,” Thiessen said.