This blog is from Minna Janhonen | Athena SWAN Adviser, Learning & Organisational Development 

As we are in the midst of August, which is the Breastfeeding Awareness Month, it is a perfect time to draw attention to the pregnancy and maternity support facilities at Canterbury and Medway Campuses.

At Kent you are welcome to breastfeed your baby where ever YOU feel comfortable. There are dedicated rooms available for those needing to express or breastfeed at both the Canterbury and Medway campuses. These can also be used by expectant colleagues to take a rest and put their feet up!

How to use ‘Parenting Rooms’ 

The room at Canterbury is Rutherford E3-W8 and an access card can be obtained from Tyler Court reception. At Medway, the room is M0-04 in the Medway Building and can be unlocked by Estates and Campus Security. The rooms are used first come first served basis, calling the Tyler Court Reception (Canterbury) or Estates and Campus Security (Medway) is a good idea if you want to make sure no one isn’t using the room when you’re planning to. There is currently no booking method in place.

Both rooms contain fridges, chairs and beds.

Personal Experiences:

“When returning to work from Maternity Leave earlier this year I found using these facilities (at Canterbury Campus) very simple and easy. I was still breastfeeding so it was important to me to be able to express milk in quiet and calm environment during the working day.”