Sarasota Bradenton Airport Now Offering Lactation Suites For Moms

SARASOTA, FL -- Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in partnership with Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has installed two lactation suites at the airport at 6000 Airport Circle, Sarasota.

The suites will provide mothers a private, clean, comfortable space for breastfeeding or pumping. The lactation suites can be found on both sides of the security checkpoint, one between ticketing and baggage claim and the other on the concourse near Gate B8.

Created by Mamava, the suite is a self-contained, mobile pod with comfortable benches, a fold-down table, an electrical outlet for plugging in a breast pump and a door that can be locked for privacy. The 4-foot by 8-foot pod is meant for individual use, but can fit more than one person, as well as mothers with babies and other children in tow.

“We’re thrilled to support breastfeeding mamas at SRQ,” said Sascha Mayer, co-founder and CEO of Mamava. “We believe that all mamas deserve a clean, comfortable and dignified place to use a breast pump or breastfeed distraction-free—anywhere, anytime. Mamava pods provide flexibility for facilities and easy access for moms.”

“The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is always looking at new ways to provide a better traveling experience for our customers. The Mamava pods will bring a unique customer service amenity to our facility and we hope that a well-fed baby can sleep better when traveling on an airplane,” said Fredrick Piccolo, president and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

Sarasota Memorial stepped up to sponsor both breastfeeding pods. In December, the hospital became the first in southwest Florida – and among a select group in the nation – to earn international recognition as a Baby-Friendly® Hospital, part of a global initiative by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund to promote breastfeeding and best practices in maternity care.

“Study after study confirms that breast milk provides babies with the healthiest start in life, so it’s up to us as a society to do all that we can to help moms feel confident and comfortable breastfeeding for as long as they can in their baby’s first year of life," said Mary O’Connor, manager of Sarasota Memorial’s Childbirth Education Services. “We applaud the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority for providing the resources and support moms need to continue nursing while traveling with a baby."

Images via Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

Beth Westuba and daughter Everly take advantage of the new amenity at the airport.