Mount Nittany Health celebrated the grand opening of the new Nursing and Lactation Space in Schlow Library on Friday, January 20, 2023.
The newly created Nursing and Lactation Space provides a comfortable and private space for mothers to nurse or pump. Nursing mothers can also keep their other children in close quarters and safe while feeding their infants. Comfortable seating, table space, and electrical outlets are available in the room.
“Mount Nittany Health is proud to sponsor this important project,” said Kathleen Rhine, President and CEO, Mount Nittany Health. “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.’”
Robert S. Huffard, MD, Mount Nittany Health Physician Group Pediatrics; Alexandra Strouse, RN, Lactation Consultant; Ann Cathcart, RN, Lactation Consultant; Jessica Lewis, MSN, BSN, RN, Manager, Women and Children’s Services; and Kate Geier, CRNP, Pediatrics attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony on behalf of Mount Nittany Health.
“It is great to see Schlow Library supporting the needs of nursing mothers and caregivers. 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,” said Dr. Huffard.
Schlow Library representatives Paula Bannon, Wendy Huffard, and Lisa Rives Collens helped cut the ribbon to open the new space. Schlow Library Trustees Casey McClain, Magisterial District Judge and Eric Norenberg, Executive Director, Centre Region Council of Governments were also in attendance.
“Schlow Centre Region Library is thrilled to partner with Mount Nittany Health to provide this space for nursing parents and caregivers, said Paula Bannon, Head of Children's Services at Schlow Library. “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. 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.”
Schlow Library serves the residents of State College Borough and College, Ferguson, Halfmoon, Harris, and Patton Townships. All Centre County residents can use Schlow, the Centre of Reading and Learning, with free library cards available from any public library in the County.
