Mothers enjoy nursing suite at ATSU-KCOM
Posted: October 7, 2008KIRKSVILLE, Mo. (Oct. 7, 2008 ) – After several years in the idea phase, A.T. Still University opened its doors to the Mother’s Nursing Suite at its open house September 2, in the Gutensohn Health and Wellness Center. The one-room suite provides a comfortable, convenient space with appropriate amenities for nursing mothers, and is designed for use by ATSU students, employees, area alumni residents, and their spouses and partners.
“A private nursing area on Campus has been a need for some time,” said Vice President for Student and Alumni Services Ron Gaber, Ed.S. Together with Human Resources and second-year master’s student Heather Martin, the idea came to fruition. To date, seven moms have signed up to use the suite, and the number is expected to grow.
With funds allocated by the university the Mother’s Nursing Suite offers many amenities including full furnishings, a changing station, lockers, refrigerator, sink, and two private nursing areas separated by curtain partitions. Large black-and-white photos of students’ newborns decorate the walls. “It [the suite] offers all the comforts of home,” Gaber said. “Because ATSU encourages a family environment for students and employees, the suite further enhances our services to them.”
Martin, a mother of two, had a vested interest in making the suite a reality. She said she is proud to be a part of the suite’s success and the ATSU-KCOM family. “The suite further demonstrates ATSU’s dedication and compassion for its students and families,” she said. Martin had the honor of welcoming guests and cutting the ribbon with ATSU President Jack Magruder at the suite’s ribbon cutting ceremony and open house.
The suite is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and is accessed by key code only. With privacy and safety a priority, individuals must register to receive access to the room. “To make sure the suite was totally private and tranquil, the key code system was selected so our nursing mothers and their babies will have complete comfort and privacy,” said Director of Student and Alumni Projects Janet Bunch, who manages the suite and its registration process.