New nursing room available on base

A nursing/pump room within HMCS Regina’s shore office.

Kateryna Bandura  
Lookout Editor

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HMCS Regina has set up a nursing/pumping room on the first deck of building D83, in the back corner of their shore office. The room has everything lactating persons need to pump and store their breast milk.

“New mothers now have a safe, private space where they can perform a very natural bodily function – pumping the breast milk they may still be producing,” says A/SLt Melissa Boulanger of HMCS Regina.

The rooms were established following Canadian Forces General Messages (CANFORGEN) 116/21 – “Support to Members Pumping and/or Nursing”, released last July. It directs Commanding Officers to put in place a lactation plan that includes a minimum of one lactation room for every 400 personnel.

The new lactation room in D83 has been set up for anyone who needs to produce, pump, and store breast milk. The space is complete with privacy screens, a reclining chair, a mini-fridge for storing breast milk, a multi-outlet power strip, and plenty of surfaces for equipment.

“The room is set up to be a quiet, private space; so, it’s a relaxing environment, which has been proven to help in the production of breast milk,” A/SLt Boulanger says.

Nursing and breastfeeding is a human right protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Lt(N) Catherine Norris, MARPAC’s Defence Women’s Advisory Organization’s military co-chair, says that workplaces should support a member’s choice to continue breastfeeding and/or pumping when returning to work.

“I have listened to the stories of veterans, retired civilians, and current Defence Team members about the discrimination or health issues they have faced when returning to work while choosing to continue to nurse or pump,” Lt(N) Norris says.

In the past, some women had to wean their children early and skip meals and breaks to fit nursing into their schedules, she adds. They didn’t have access to proper facilities and had to use a bathroom or their car. Many were denied breaks to pump milk resulting in mastitis (infected milk ducts), which is extremely painful and requires medical attention.

“When we support lactating people in the workplace, it is better for everyone,” Lt(N) Norris says.

Nursing rooms such as the one established by HMCS Regina promote healthier members, support better child development, and improve the organization’s structure. Fewer sick days, improved mental and physical health, and better work productivity are only some of many results.

A/SLt Boulanger says having nursing rooms available to new mothers fosters inclusivity in the base community.

“It’s also in a quiet part of the building, hopefully ensuring anyone using the room is not disturbed while nursing,” she says of her room.

It operates on a first come, first served basis, and has clear signage and a lock to indicate when it is in use.

According to the CANFORGEN directive, proof and justification are unnecessary for members when they need to pump or nurse while at work. However, anyone experiencing issues trying to acquire space and time should reach out to their local command team or the Conflict and Complaint Management Services Office.

If you know of other lactation rooms on base send the location to MARPAC’s Defence Women’s Advisory Organization at marpacdwao@forces.gc.ca so they can be included in the base list.

CURRENT ROOMS

Naden

• Nelles Block Room 124

Dockyard

• D100 Room 346A
• D250 Room A231
• D83 Regina Shore Office

Plus there are rooms at D63, D65, Colwood 66, WP1365 and D211.