Temple University today announced the opening of a Mamava lactation suite for nursing mothers, becoming the first college or university in Pennsylvania—and the sixth nationally—to offer this type of private space to breastfeed children or pump milk.

The suite officially opens June 1 at Temple’s Howard Gittis Student Center and can be reserved at the Student Center’s information desk.

“This innovative space serves not only Temple students, faculty and staff but also our conference and event attendees, who regularly request a private area for pumping or breastfeeding,” said Jason Levy, senior director of Student Center Operations.

Temple has long accommodated nursing mothers with safe, sanitary and private space throughout the university, but the suite is the first standalone space designed specifically for those purposes. Levy noted that Tina Young, Student Center Operations events coordinator, suggested the lactation suite in response to an annual call for big ideas.

The Mamava suite at Temple, on the Student Center’s second floor and conveniently located near restrooms, is 32 square feet and features a fold-down table, two benches, a mirror, an AC and USB power outlet, and a lock indicating whether the suite is vacant or occupied. Its exterior is customized with Temple’s logo, and the interior features cityscapes of Philadelphia.

While Temple is the first local college or university to offer a Mamava suite, it is not the only institution in Philadelphia with one, as the Pennsylvania Convention Center and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia both have them. In addition, the Allentown School District has two suites.

Temple is Vermont-based Mamava’s 100th client nationally.

“We’re thrilled that Temple University is installing a Mamava lactation suite to support their nursing staff, students and guests to achieve their breastfeeding goals,” said company co-founder and CEO Sascha Mayer. “Too many mamas struggle with finding clean, comfortable and private spaces to feed while they’re at work or on the go, and it’s thanks to progressive leaders like Temple that we’re going to change this reality.”

To use the lactation suite beginning June 1, visit the information desk located inside the Student Center entrance at 13th Street and Montgomery Avenue, or call 215-204-3288.