In a significant step towards supporting student mothers, Ochsner Lafayette General has generously donated two state-of-the-art nursing pods to South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc). The unveiling ceremony took place on Tuesday, September 24, at 10:30 a.m. in the Devalcourt Building lobby on the Lafayette Campus.
These nursing pods are designed to provide a comfortable, private space for breastfeeding mothers on campus. Each pod is a nursing room on wheels, equipped with seating, charging stations and electrical outlets. This initiative is part of SoLAcc’s commitment to a holistic approach to student care, understanding that nurturing the whole person is essential to their success.
Louisiana law requires space for nursing and breastfeeding mothers to be provided on campus, and these nursing pods allow the college to utilize other existing space for classrooms, offices, and other programming. The donation of the nursing pods, valued at $22,000, was made through the Foundation for SoLAcc and has been in the works for nearly a year.
Lana Fontenot, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director for the Foundation for SoLAcc, expressed gratitude for the gift, saying, "These nursing pods represent more than just a space for breastfeeding; they symbolize our dedication to supporting the multifaceted lives of our students. By providing a safe and private environment, we are acknowledging the challenges that many of our student mothers face and are actively working to make their educational journey as supportive as possible."
One nursing pod is located in the Devalcourt lobby, and the second is located in the Health and Sciences building. Each location is easily accessible to students on the Lafayette Campus.
“Our donation of breastfeeding pods to SoLAcc reinforces our commitment to the health and well-being of families in Acadiana. This initiative aligns with our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate, and it creates a supportive environment for nursing mothers pursuing education,” said Al Patin, Chief Executive Officer at Ochsner, the largest birthing facility in Acadiana. “Breastfeeding offers essential benefits, including optimal infant nutrition, strengthened mother-child bonds and long-term health benefits for mom and baby. By providing breastfeeding pods, we help to remove barriers for nursing mothers and offer a resource they need to thrive academically and personally.”
The addition of these nursing pods is a testament to SoLAcc’s and Ochsner’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. As more parents pursue higher education, resources like these nursing pods play a crucial role in their academic success and overall well-being.