Select Region
Let's Get Social!


Nursing Mothers Can Comfortably Breast-Feed in Lactation Pods in New York City

Nursing Mothers Can Comfortably Breast-Feed in Lactation Pods in New York City


Though it is legal for nursing moms to breast-feed in public in New York state, many women may still feel uncomfortable doing so, which is why these “lactation pods” planted around New York City are a game changer for nursing mothers.

Just in time for World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month, the New York City Department of Health has opened five breast-feeding pods—one in each borough, according to a press release. Locations include the Health + Hospitals’ Queens Hospital Center and Harlem Hospital Center; the Bronx Zoo; Staten Island Children’s Museum; and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.

These pods are part of an effort to promote and support breast-feeding in communities with low rates of nursing and to help mothers feel comfortable breast-feeding in public or private.

Each public pod is a self-contained mobile unit that is 4-by-8 feet and equipped with comfortable benches, a table, an electrical outlet for plugging in breast pumps, and, most importantly, a lock on the door to ensure privacy. 

Even though there are only five lactation pods across the boroughs, there are more than 25 public lactation rooms around New York City. The Department of Health released a list of lactation room locations where social services are available and authorities say more are on the way.



“Breastfeeding is the most complete and natural form of nutrition for babies, and it also provides health benefits for new mothers,” Health Commissioner Mary T. Bassett said in a statement. “We are fortunate to live in a city that protects a mother’s right to breastfeed anywhere, anytime.” 

The New York Civil Liberties Union states that nursing mothers have the right to breast-feed in public places, including day care centers, doctors’ offices, restaurants, parks, movie theaters, and more. No one in New York is allowed to tell a woman to go to a bathroom, basement, or private room if she is breastfeeding in public.


RELATED:
 

4 Foods Breastfeeding Moms Should Include in Their Diets

Why Breastfeeding Support Is Important for New and Expectant Mothers


Main image: One of five lactation pods set up around New York City
Courtesy New York City Department of Health


More Baby Articles:

Brilliant NYC to Replace Current NYC Gifted and Talented Programs

NYC public schools will no longer offer gifted and talented programs that city officials say create barriers and racial divides. Instead it will offer...


Latest News:

Normal Baby Spit-up: Is Your Baby Healthy?

Here's what you need to know about healthy baby spit-up from a pediatric gastroenterologist at the Children's Hospital of Brooklyn at Maimonides Medic...


Family Activities:



Have a Laugh:

Best Memes of the Week for Parents

Here are the funniest parenting memes from Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit this week.
Samantha Neudorf

Author: Samantha Neudorf is a former editor at NYMetroParents. See More

Featured Listings:

Sky Zone Allendale

Sky Zone Allendale

Allendale, NJ Sky Zone is the world’s first indoor trampoline park. We’re the inventors of “fun fitness” and the makers of trampolines as far as the eye can see. We...

China Institute's Immersive Summer Program

China Institute's Immersive Summer Program

Financial District, Manhattan, New York Whether your child is new to the language or a fluent speaker or somewhere in between, they will love our summer day camp program! Designed for child...

Clover Prep Learning Center

Clover Prep Learning Center

Fresh Meadows, NY Clover Prep caters to multiple learning styles starting from age 2.5 to 9th grade. All classes hold a 1:5 or 1:8, teacher to student ratio. This rati...

St. Sebastian Catholic Academy

St. Sebastian Catholic Academy

Woodside, NY The road to academic success begins at St. Sebastian Catholic Academy serves the parishes of Queen of Angels, Church of St. Teresa and St. Sebastian....