At Louisiana State University (LSU), a new program aims to implement more accessible lactation rooms across campus. Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Dr. Erin McKinley, expanded the program to encompass the LSU community at large to encourage breastfeeding.

The original program, known as Auburn’s Tiger Babies, was geared towards providing lactation rooms for guests attending LSU football games. Erin McKinley, PhD, RD, LD, CLC, CHES saw the need for not only more lactation rooms on campus, but for more services geared towards pregnant and new families. She envisions workshops, events and seminars on topics from pregnancy to infant feeding.

As McKinley learned during the lactation counselor training course (LCTC) to become a CLC, one of the primary reasons why mothers may stop breastfeeding at or by three is because of maternity leave periods and mothers returning to work. McKinley recognizes how difficult this can be for a mother and their expectations of motherhood. She hopes that this program will encourage students who are parents and young employees with families to continue breastfeeding, even if they are back on campus and working hard.

In addition to her work at LSU, Dr. McKinley conducts research on breastfeeding practices and breastfeeding intentions. She will present findings from her dissertation at the upcoming International Breastfeeding Conference in Deerfield Beach, FL.