4 days ago
Forum: Nursing rooms could do with better design
As an architectural designer and mother, I was heartened to see the updated Building and Construction Authority Accessibility Code give long-overdue attention to lactation rooms.
One welcome improvement was the inclusion of better directional signage. When you are holding a hungry, crying baby, trying to find the nursing room in a big mall can feel like a wild goose chase. Clear, visible signs would save so many of us from that mild panic.
However, a few things could still be better. Many nursing rooms remain too cramped for a stroller, forcing parents to juggle babies, bags and everything else in hand. A little more space goes a long way. Lighting can also be a problem. I once also grappled with an auto sensor in a nursing room where the lights switched off in the midst of feeding. Trying to wave at a sensor while nursing the hungry baby in the dark was a real challenge. Manually dimmable lights could be more user-friendly.
And then there's the sign 'Nursing Mothers Only'. While privacy is important, this sends the wrong message to partners. My husband wants to help, but the sign (and often the cramped space) keeps him outside. It's another quiet way mothers get left to do it alone.
Thoughtful, small changes can make a huge difference in supporting parents.
Shireen Yeo Shi Yun
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