Creating space for working mothers
In the busy environment of our growing nonprofit, we recognized a crucial need emerging among our team members — a dedicated, comfortable space for BRYC’s nursing mothers.
By Josh Howard
What began as an underutilized bathroom has transformed into a thoughtfully designed lactation room that speaks volumes about our commitment to supporting working parents.
Listening to Real Needs
The renovation journey started with conversations. We reached out to BRYC mothers, asking what they wished they had during their nursing journeys and what would make a difference in their daily routines. Their insights proved invaluable, helping us understand the practical and emotional aspects of creating such an important space.
We didn’t stop there. A licensed mental health counselor and positive psychology practitioners joined our planning efforts, ensuring the space would support not just physical needs but emotional well-being too. After all, a nursing room isn’t merely about function, it’s about creating a sanctuary within a busy workplace.
Thoughtful Design in Limited Space
Working within the constraints of a small former bathroom, our maintenance consultant helped us maximize every square inch. The result is a space that feels surprisingly spacious and intentionally calming. The centerpiece is a custom-built seat with convenient storage underneath, giving nursing mothers a comfortable place to sit while keeping essential items within reach. A pedestal sink with running water and a lighted mirror adds practical convenience, while easily accessible power outlets remain discreetly hidden until needed.
Understanding that nursing mothers often carry multiple bags, from breast pumps to personal items, we installed hooks for hassle-free organization. A retractable device holder offers the option to scroll, watch, or read during pumping sessions, acknowledging that many working parents use this time to catch up on personal emails or enjoy a moment of entertainment.
The space comes alive with a beautiful felt art display featuring photographs of children from our BRYC team members’ families. This personal touch transforms a functional space into one that celebrates the very reason for its existence – our growing BRYC family.
Perhaps most importantly, we incorporated elements specifically designed for comfort and privacy: a white noise machine to create a sound barrier and an air purifier to ensure the environment remains fresh and clean. Creative solutions like neutral curtains elegantly conceal the necessary HVAC system while maintaining the room’s serene aesthetic.
Why These Spaces Matter
Research consistently demonstrates that supportive lactation spaces in the workplace yield significant benefits beyond simple accommodation. Studies show that organizations with dedicated nursing rooms experience:
- Higher retention rates among working mothers, with workplace breastfeeding problems shown to be directly associated with low job satisfaction (Whitley et al., 2019). As women return to the workforce in record numbers post-pandemic, with 77.8% of women ages 25-54 working or looking for jobs, supporting their needs becomes increasingly important (Cohen, 2023).
- Reduced absenteeism as parents can more easily balance work and family needs. Workplace support for breastfeeding mothers, including adequate break time and space to pump, helps reduce work-family conflict and allows women to continue breastfeeding while working (Whitley et al., 2019).
- Increased productivity and job satisfaction, with studies showing that women reporting problems with break time and space to pump or breastfeed had higher odds of low job satisfaction compared to those without such problems (Whitley et al., 2019).
- Enhanced organizational loyalty, as workplaces that support breastfeeding mothers with dedicated lactation spaces demonstrate a commitment to employees’ needs, which in turn improves retention (Whitley et al., 2019).
- Improved health outcomes for both mother and child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (2022) confirms that breastfeeding reduces risks of numerous health issues for infants and mothers alike, making workplace support for breastfeeding a critical public health concern.
Additionally, psychologists note that these spaces send a powerful message about organizational values. The psychological benefits of breastfeeding extend to maternal well-being, with research showing that breastfeeding promotes positive effects on maternal mental health and overall happiness (Modak et al., 2023). These spaces demonstrate tangible support for working parents during a vulnerable transition period and acknowledge that employees bring their whole selves, which includes their parental responsibilities, to work.
Modern working mothers prioritize flexibility, childcare and parental-leave benefits, and an inclusive environment when seeking employment (Cohen, 2023). A dedicated nursing room addresses these priorities by creating an inclusive space that supports work-life integration in a tangible way.
Looking Forward
As our organization continues to grow, we remain committed to creating an environment where team members can thrive professionally while honoring their personal lives. This nursing room represents more than just a renovation project—it’s a statement about who we are as an organization and the culture we’re building together.
For our team members who will use this space, we hope it provides not just practical convenience but a moment of peace in busy days. For everyone else, we hope it serves as a reminder that small spaces can make a big difference when designed with care, empathy, and a genuine understanding of human needs.
