“I’ve nominated NASA Langley Research Center for the large company award because, in my opinion, the Center has exceeded expectations to ensure that their employees feel comfortable and are supported in their decision to breastfeed. NASA has set up a support system to ensure employees have access to the necessary information and resources to transition from maternity leave back to work, coordinate with their supervisors, find a secure location, and to ultimately be successful in their choice to breastfeed. Through an internal NASA website, employees are able to find internal resources, policies, guidance and support avenues as well as references to outside resources (i.e. La Leche League, CINCH, and the AAP). Resources are also available to supervisors to assist their employees.
“NASA Langley currently has 12 official lactation rooms conveniently located throughout the Center with varying amenities based on availability, all are able to be scheduled via Microsoft Outlook. Three rooms have access to Medela Symphony pumps with personal accessories available for purchase at the on-site clinic. All rooms have access to basic needs while some have additional amenities such as in-room refrigerators, adjacent restrooms, laptop docking stations, etc. Our on-site Child Development Center (daycare) features a bonding area with designated stations for mothers to nurse at their convenience during lunch or on breaks.
“Personally, I am very fortunate to have an incredibly supportive management team who have created a special and exclusively designated space for me to pump. Our building does not have a designated lactation room, so my Deputy Director completely emptied out one of our supply closets and installed a desk, chair, lamp, and laptop connections to make it more convenient for me to pump without having to leave the building.”
Thank you for your consideration,
Alicia Kelly-Eslinger
