Breastfeeding: Nursing rooms across the Triangle
I wrote the other day that the Durham Bulls has recently opened a new pod designed specifically for nursing moms who want some privacy as they breastfeed their baby or pump breast milk.
I thought I'd point out a few more spots designed just for nursing moms in the region. Feel free to chime in about more if you know about them.
Of course, nursing moms do not need to cloister themselves in a special nursing room when they are out and about and their baby is hungry. State law allows women to breastfeed in "any public or private location" and that she is not in violation of any indecent exposure laws when she does.
Here is what the law says: "A woman may breast feed in any public or private location where she is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether the nipple of the mother's breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breast feeding."
(I used to carry a copy of the law in my wallet when I was a breastfeeding mom).
Other spots in the Triangle with nursing spaces:
N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences: The Raleigh museum has one dedicated nursing room on the first floor of the Nature Exploration Center by the auditorium stairwell. It's behind the 3D theater. The only nursing space in the Nature Research Center is in the single stall, family restroom on the first floor.
PNC Arena: The Raleigh arena has family restrooms with seating to accommodate nursing mothers located throughout the venue. If the restrooms are not available and other accommodations need to be made, there are additional spaces that can be used on request. Visit Guest Services (Section 127) and make the request.
Marbles Kids Museum: The Raleigh museum has a dedicated nursing room on the first floor of the museum next to Curiosity Square. It just got a fresh coat of paint.
Museum of Life and Science: The Durham museum has dedicated "caregiver areas" located across the museum campus. These semi-private seating areas are often used by nursing mothers or families in need of a little quite time to reset. Areas are clearly marked on campus with signage and are also indicated on the campus map guests receive upon entry.
The Streets at Southpoint: The Durham mall has nursing lounges, according to its website. The Nordstrom lounge also has been a popular spot for moms to breastfeed. (I was among them ages ago).
N.C. Botanical Garden: The Chapel Hill spot as a room designated for breastfeeding in the Allen Education Center, next to the restrooms in the exhibit hall. Moms don’t need to do anything to use it. It is always open, unless it is locked because it is in use.
Again, feel free to share other spots in the comments. I am happy to add to this list! And, if you're a breastfeeding mom looking for some help, check our resource page.
