Lactation Resources & Support

Preparing for graduate or professional school involves more than choosing a program. If you are pregnant, postpartum, nursing or expressing milk, you can feel confident knowing that MUSC provides resources designed to support you while you pursue your education.

Across the Charleston campus, students have access to private lactation spaces, including dedicated rooms and Mamava pods. Some lactation rooms are equipped with hospital-grade, multi-user Medela Symphony breast pumps, and additional support is available for students navigating pregnancy and parenting.

Find a lactation space

Lactation spaces are available throughout MUSC's academic and clinical campus. Some rooms require MUSC badge access. Once you are enrolled, you can request access to a specific room through the Department of Public Safety at muhcard-access@musc.edu.

Using a Mamava pod

Mamava pods offer a private and secure space for nursing or expressing milk. Pods include seating, space for personal belongings and access to an electrical outlet. The following are pods located on our campus.

• Ashley River Tower (ART) in the first-floor lobby and fifth-floor corridor alcove
• Hospital Extension in the first-floor lobby
• Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in the first-floor lobby

The free Mamava app makes it easy to locate participating pods, view availability and access requirements and unlock it when you arrive. Should you have additional questions after downloading the app, please contact Daniela Harris.

Additional pregnancy & parenting resources

Your needs may extend beyond finding a private place to nurse or express milk. MUSC supports students who are pregnant, experiencing pregnancy-related medical conditions or navigating parenting responsibilities.

Depending on your individual circumstances, reasonable modifications may include additional breaks during class, clinic or lab; flexibility for medical appointments; changes to schedules or course sequencing; access to lactation spaces; closer parking; and medically necessary leaves of absence. MUSC works with students individually to determine appropriate support while maintaining the essential requirements of their academic programs.

Your family is part of your journey

Choosing where to pursue your education means considering the life you will build outside the classroom, too. At MUSC, we want you to have the resources and support you need to care for yourself and your family while preparing for a career in health care.