Tigers Babies Nursing Mothers Room

Now Open in Department of Geosciences in the Coliseum

The Auburn Department of Geosciences in collaboration with the Tiger Babies program is pleased to announce the opening of a new Tiger Babies Nursing Mother’s Room in the Coliseum in Room 2100.

This new room is designed to be a safe and supportive space open to all nursing mothers in Geosciences, the AU community, and official AU visitors.

The Department of Geosciences is pleased to open this space (the only Tiger Babies location on this side of main campus) for working mothers to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for scientists. This is a direct response to graduate students who requested the idea to department leadership.

Ashleigh Rudd, office supervisor in Geosciences, led the effort to design and create this space for mothers. As the photographs show, it is one of the largest and most accommodating spaces for nursing mothers on the main campus. It is equipped with secure controlled access only for women.

“As a new mother in the Geosciences department, I greatly appreciate the department providing a designated lactation/mother's room. After returning from maternity leave, I found it challenging to find a private space to pump. This new space now allows us mothers to comfortably pump while continuing our academic work without stress. I'm grateful for this thoughtful resource that reflects the department's commitment to supporting and valuing its community members who are parents. The establishment of this dedicated space reflects the department's understanding of the unique challenges faced by working parents. It demonstrates a genuine commitment to creating an inclusive culture that values the well-being of all its members, which makes our department such a great place to be. The new space makes it more efficient and comfortable for mothers to balance their health needs with their scientific research, teaching and service needs during the workday. The Mother's Room is a private room, equipped with soft lighting, a comfortable rocking chair and foot ottoman, electrical outlets, sanitizing wipes, and a refrigerator, ensuring a peaceful and convenient environment for nursing mothers.” said Shifat Monami, Auburn Geosciences Graduate Student.

Dr. Leticia De Marchi, a Geosciences faculty member, shared that “having a designated lactation/Mother’s room in the Geosciences department means a lot to me. It shows that the department recognizes and respects the needs of working mothers. It makes me feel seen and appreciated, and I’m sure it will do the same for other women here. It creates a safer, more supportive environment where we can balance personal and professional responsibilities more easily. Having a dedicated space like this allows us to take care of our personal needs without feeling like it’s an obstacle to getting work done. It’s a great example of the department’s commitment to nurturing a culture of inclusivity and support for everyone. Thanks for that!”

“I'm thrilled that Geosciences has taken an opportunity to showcase its growth and development! Having a designated lactation/mother's room in Geosciences signals a commitment to inclusivity, support, and respect for all individuals, particularly for parents balancing work and life. As a mom myself, knowing that this room provides a private, safe, and comfortable space for nursing mothers fosters a sense of belonging and reduces stress. This initiative demonstrates that the department values the well-being of its community, promotes work-life balance, and actively works to create an environment where everyone can thrive personally and professionally. I’m excited to see how we continue to grow!” said Ashleigh Rudd, Geosciences office supervisor.