Expecting a baby can be a scary thing for any woman, and added stress is imminent while also attending school.
People may think that everyone is courteous and helpful to pregnant women on campus, but according to “Students for life of America,” 46 percent of abortions are performed on college-aged women.
So what can be done to make going to school and carrying a baby an easier task for women?
Some women, depending on their situation, might be self-conscious that people may treat them differently.
But Stephanie Albach, Vice President of University Relations, said she has only seen “courtesy and positive attitudes” from fellow students and professors.
“Teacher’s aren’t always lenient. It changes from teacher to teacher,” said Morgan Alvari at Campus Connection.
Like most professors at UVU, Marketing Professor, Deborah Baird, does not have any special policy or exceptions for pregnant women, besides arranging for make-up work if they are absent, just as she would do with any of her students.
Bonnie Andersen, assistant physics professor, said, “[as an employee at UVU] we have two weeks of birth leave. We can take more time off after that, but it has to come out of our sick leave, personal time or time off without pay. I would like to see increased birth leave and more accommodations provided for nursing mothers on campus.”
The lack of nursing accommodations has been an increasing problem with women, students and faculty alike, on campus.
“I personally have served 25 years and had at least two children during this time. I was treated completely fairly as an employee, including benefits,” said Julie Bagley at student support services. “But a couple months ago, the lactation room availability came to my attention.”
Along with nursing space need, Morgan Alvari, a student at UVU, feels that there could be more diaper changing decks because there are “diaper changing decks in some bathrooms, but not all.”
Even if an expecting mother is not going to school at that moment, there are ways the school can help make her situation a little easier by helping a spouse or family member be accessible to their needs.
“I dropped out earlier on because I was too nauseated from the early stage of pregnancy,” said Mckaye Johnson, who would have been a sophomore. “But I know for my husband, he isn’t allowed to have his phone out or on in class … but they let him because I could call any day now saying I’m in labor.”
So open a door or help out the next expecting mother you see in the halls. Stress isn’t good for the baby or the mother, and a helping hand is just what people need at times to help relieve excess stress.
Great article! I completely agree. I’m about to graduate and have had one child while attending. I have had only positive interactions about my pregnancy and child, BUT accommodations are rare. I also noticed that there are entire BUILDINGS with out a diaper changing station, and as far as I am aware, not a single nursing area to provide privacy for mothers. I would love to see that change, since UVU touts its pride in providing education to unorthodox students!