For the past three years a pilot project in the Osborn community has been working on how to better support breastfeeding in the Detroit community. The pilot program was funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Last year, nine local moms were trained to design and execute a program to help area moms.
One of the ideas they came up with was a community lounge for breast-feeding.
The Mother’s Room is Detroit’s first community lactation lounge, and it is located in the Matrix Human Services Center.
“We’re very excited to have this opportunity for the ladies in the 3rd district and the families. We’ve been very supportive of breast heath. We have a breast cancers campaign with Sister’s network and we’re very supportive of Black Mother’s Breastfeeding Association,” said 3rd District Councilman Scott Benson. “We’ve implemented signage throughout the district as well. So we’re excited about this. And while breast-feeding is welcome everywhere, we want women in the 3rd district and the city of Detroit that there is a safe space for them to come to feed their children here.”
The lounge is available for mothers who wish to use it to nurse or to pump.
Inside the lounge there is a comfortable chair, hospital grade Medela pump and supplies, and changing table. There are also children books available to keep siblings busying.
The Mother’s Room will also be used to host parenting classes, health screenings, support groups, and other activities.
Henry Ford Heath Systems is sponsoring the cost of the room, and Medela USA has provided the pump.
Breastfeeding is a great journey between a mother and their child. It is something that can be really rewarding, but from personal experience, it is also a lot of work. When you have the community support it helps continue that journey.
The Mother’s Room will be open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
The Matrix Human Services Center is located at 13560 E. McNichols Detroit, Michigan 48205.