Background: Numerous researchers have evaluated the influence of federal and workplace lactation policies on breastfeeding duration, however few have considered the experiences of breastfeeding people returning to school.
Research aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of existing on-campus lactation spaces.
Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with student-parents (N = 18) who had expressed milk on campus. Data collection and thematic analysis were based on the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality framework for evaluating health services from the human rights literature and adapted for this study.
Results: For most participants with proximal access to a designated lactation space, room availability was exceptional and quality was marginally adequate. The provision of breast pumps, in-room sinks, and study desks were important aspects of quality discussed by the participants. Not all participants made use of the university's designated lactation spaces due to either physical or informational inaccessibility. If designated lactation spaces were not convenient, participants found closer alternatives (e.g., bathroom, staff offices, or during the academic session).
Conclusion: Breastfeeding parents who return to school experience obstacles similar to those reported by employed parents who return to work. They require convenient access to appropriate spaces and sufficient privacy to express milk for their infants. In order to best support all learners, university leaders must consider the needs of this unique student population.
Keywords: breastfeeding; breastfeeding experience; breastfeeding support; lactation workplace programs; pumping; qualitative methods.