In what's become a much-applauded annual tradition, the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), alongside the Allegheny County Breastfeeding Coalition (ACBC), honored organizations for their contributions toward creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment. According to an Allegheny County press release, the 28th Annual Breastfeeding Friendly Place Awards celebrated these spaces during National Breast Feeding Month.
This year's accolades went to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for its workplace efforts and Carnegie Mellon University for its public space accommodations. Madeline Putzi, the ACHD WIC's Breastfeeding Coordinator, lauded the winners for setting a high standard in the community. One standout example is the food bank's lactation room, which recently got an upgrade from a general "wellness room" to a designated space complete with dimmable lights, artwork, and thoughtful touches like body care items – a testament to creating a serene environment for milk expression, said Putzi, per county's press release.
Liz McFarlin-Marciak, who works at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, shared her account in a statement revealing how policies and environments like the lactation room have supported her breastfeeding journey. An anonymous contractor highlighted CMU's comprehensive resources on the university front, including a seamless experience finding a private lactation space via an interactive online tool and key card access to various rooms during a one-day event.
For further assistance, mothers can contact ACHD's Breastfeeding Help Line at 412-687-2243, where certified lactation consultants are ready to offer guidance.
