New breastfeeding policy supports women

In a bid to foster a supportive and inclusive environment, the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) has recently introduced three initiatives that will not only allow women to achieve their academic goals, but also enhance their university experience. 

President of the USQ Women's Network Inc, Ms Pauline Collins, said the recently introduced breastfeeding policy, parental support group and an on-campus child care facility are vital initiatives that support USQ parents and mothers in particular.

'Females outnumber men on most age levels in the local community and government initiatives such as the Welfare to Work and Work Choices changes will require single mothers to return to the workforce, so these initiatives become not just icing on the cake but essential,' she said.

The breastfeeding policy will support mothers who chose to work or study by providing them with lactation breaks and allocated discrete locations to feed.

'These initiatives certainly responded to some negative experiences such as a mother sitting on the concrete in a breezeway trying to write an exam at the same time as breastfeeding.

'One of the next goals for USQ in relation to these initiatives will be to receive accreditation from the Australian Breastfeeding Association in 2007.'

The University is also piloting an Adjunct Childcare Service in conjunction with the Student Guild. This offers parent's inexpensive short term child minding for those attending lectures.

The University has also set up a Parental Support Group on campus for those who are currently juggling work, life and study. The group meets regularly in the newly refurbished USQ Women's Network Room and is open to mothers and fathers.

Pauline says the initiatives have received positive feedback from staff and students.

'The positive response can be seen in the usage of these facilities and more happy faces of women on campus.

'The Parental Support Group now registers over 35 people in its membership and the Adjunct Childcare is proving to be a great help for student parents and we are hearing lots of good stories,' she said.

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Alexander +7 614631 2977 or 0439 760 106.