Mount Nittany Health Sponsors New Nursing and Lactation Space at Schlow Library

Paula Bannon, Schlow Centre Region Library's head of children's services, cuts the ribbon to officially open the Nursing and Lactation Space at the library in State College. From left to right: Jessica Lewis, MSN, BSN, RN, Robert S. Huffard, MD; Kate Geier, CRNP; Alexandra Strouse, RN; Ann Cathcart, RN, Lactation Consultant; Paula Bannon, Wendy Huffard, Lisa Rives Collens; and Schlow Library board members Eric Norenberg, Executive Director, Centre Region Council of Governments; and Casey McClain, Magisterial District Judge.

Schlow Centre Region Library recently opened a new nursing and lactation space sponsored by Mount Nittany Health.

The space provides a comfortable, private area for mothers to nurse or pump, and allows nursing mothers to keep their other children close by while feeding their infants. The room includes seating, table space and electrical outlets.

“Mount Nittany Health is proud to sponsor this important project,” Kathleen Rhine, Mount Nittany Health president and CEO, said in a news release. “The Nursing and Lactation Space is an excellent addition to the Schlow Library and is another example of the commitment to our mission of ‘Healthier People. Stronger Community.'”

A grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new space was held on Jan. 20 at the library, 211 S. Allen St. in State College.

Paula Bannon, head of children’s services, said the library is happy to be able to partner with Mount Nittany to provide the option of a private space for nursing parents and caregivers.

“While families have always been, and will continue to be, welcome to feed their babies wherever they are comfortable in the library, our new Nursing and Lactation Space will provide a much-needed place for those who desire a private space to nurse or pump,” Bannon said. “It is our hope that caregivers in our community — whether they spend time in downtown State College for work, shopping or family fun — will find this space helpful for years to come.”

Having a comfortable space to feed or pump is important for nursing mothers, Dr. Robert S. Huffard, of Mount Nittany Health Physician Group Pediatrics, said.

“It is great to see Schlow Library supporting the needs of nursing mothers and caregivers,” Huffard said. “Providing a dedicated space with resources for nursing and pumping is really important as nursing mothers need to be relaxed to feed or pump milk. This is an excellent resource for the local community.”