MORRIS COUNTY — In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7), the Morris County Board of County Commissioners announced the availability of lactation pods for nursing mothers at four county buildings, including the Morris County Library.
Commissioner Deborah Smith, chair of the Budget Committee, spearheaded the effort to install the pods using federal dollars issued to Morris County through the American Rescue Plan Act, with support from fellow commissioners and county personnel.
“Whether they are working or on the go, nursing mothers need security and privacy when breastfeeding or pumping. I wanted to provide them with an option when they are in county spaces,” said Commissioner Smith.
The pods provide a comfortable, secure space with a fully furnished interior where nursing mothers can breastfeed or pump in privacy. The program targeted areas most heavily visited by new moms in county government facilities at four locations, including:
- Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Avenue, Whippany
- Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance, 340 West Hanover Avenue, Morristown
- Administration and Records Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Court Street, Morristown
- Human Services Central Avenue Complex, 1 Medical Drive, Morris Plains
Celebrated annually from August 1 to 7, World Breastfeeding Week was created in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy and aims to highlight the benefits that breastfeeding can bring to babies’ health and well-being.