UPMC recently installed lactation pods in four locations around the system including UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and UPMC Presbyterian. The pods were funded by the Ladies Hospital Aid Society (LHAS)—an organization that has provided educational, financial, medical and social services to individuals and families in western Pennsylvania for more than 120 years.
“We want to thank LHAS and the board members for their support in making this possible,” said Stephanie Dutton, chief operating officer, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at a ribbon-cutting ceremony that commemorated the new pods. “There are many breastfeeding moms who visit or work at Hillman and this pod gives them a perfect place to go—this is a wonderful space for them.”
Breastfeeding provides many health benefits for infants, but working mothers and those on the go need support to meet their breastfeeding goals. Providing a private, clean and accessible environment at several UPMC facilities will give new mothers the space needed for both infant and personal care.
“LHAS has been serving the local community for 120 years and this was the perfect project to not only provide an important resource to mothers, but to demonstrate our commitment to the people of western Pennsylvania,” said Carole Kamin, President of LHAS.
The lactation pods provide a comfortable, private space for moms to breastfeed or pump while visiting the hospitals—expanding upon the existing breastfeeding areas available. Through a special mobile app, breastfeeding mothers will be able to locate and gain access to one of the spaces in a location that meets their needs.
The 4-foot-by-8-foot pods are self-contained with comfortable benches, a fold-down table and an electrical outlet for plugging in a breast pump. Moms can dim or brighten the lighting based on their preferences and lock the door for privacy. They are available to patients, staff and other visitors of the hospitals and can accommodate mothers with babies and other children in tow.
To find additional information about breastfeeding or resources available at UPMC, visit the Lactation Center at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital or Lactation Support Services at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
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