ASC HQ opens nursing mothers' room, exceeds basic requirements

By Kevin Fleming, ASC Public AffairsAugust 3, 2016

usa image
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Kevin O'Connell, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, prepares to cut the ceremonial ribbon with Lynda Ottman (right), Wellness Division coordinator, G-1 (Human Resources) and Elysa Groepper, lead financial management speciali... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
usa image
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
usa image
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Maj. Gen. Kevin O'Connell, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, presided over the ribbon cutting ceremony for ASC headquarters' new nursing mothers' room in Building 390, July 28.

In November 2015, the Army updated a 2011 directive that instructed commanders to provide safe locations for nursing mothers to pump breast milk while at work. Those involved with the project at ASC said the new room goes above and beyond the requirements.

According to the Army directive, the space must not be in a restroom, it must be private, have locking doors, a place to sit, a flat surface other than the floor for a pump, an electrical outlet and access to a safe water source at a reasonable distance.

ASC's new nursing mothers' room meets all the requirements with added features such as temperature and climate controls, locking cabinets, a large refrigerator and a directly accessible sink area. The room is also partitioned into four separate smaller rooms in order to maximize capacity and minimize waiting time.

"The permanent nursing mothers' room reinforces ASC's commitment to the workforce, and demonstrates sensitivity to the challenges faced by working mothers," said O'Connell. "It will improve wellness, quality of life, and over all work-life balance."

Prior to the construction of the improved location, nursing mothers were provided access to a storage closet near the G-1 (Human Resources) office space. The closet was modified to meet previous Army standards, but few in the command were content with the accommodation.

Following input from a focus group, ASC personnel from the G-4 (Logistics) and the G-1 collaborated to refurbish the room, which was completed in June.

"The room was designed to exceed the standards and function based on the actual needs of the nursing mothers," said Capt. Danielle Robbins, ASC HQ facility project manager, G-4.

Robbins, who helped to coordinate the room's physical construction, said she was glad for the command's support.

"It would have been easy to take miscellaneous furniture to check the block and meet the standards, but instead [the command] made every effort to make it a functional and inviting room for its occupants," said Robbins.

Elysa Groepper, lead financial management specialist, G-8 (Resources), said she is glad about the room's construction. As someone who had previously used ASC's Nursing Mother's Program, Groepper helped to advocate for the room's relocation and improvement.

"I think this shows that our Command is supportive of women who have and want to have children," she said. "Having a dedicated space with four private rooms is an immense improvement."

All Soldiers, civilians and contractors are eligible to participate in ASC's Nursing Mother's Program, and those in other buildings and local Army commands can contact Lynda Ottman, Wellness Division coordinator, G-1, for availability. Ottman said priority use will be given to ASC employees.

Personnel had the opportunity to tour the room following the ceremony. About 30 people attended the event.

Related Links:

Army Sustainment Command homepage

Army Sustainment Command Facebook page

Army Sustainment Command Flickr page

Rock Island Arsenal Homepage

Army Sustainment Command YouTube page