Lounge for nursing moms is a home run

For nursing moms, outings with a new baby can be difficult. In addition to toting gear and prepping for meltdowns, there's the nagging concern about whether they'll be able to comfortably breastfeed their babies. Experienced moms know how to make nursing work just about anywhere — park benches, dressing rooms, even while walking. But breastfeeding is easier and more enjoyable when there is a comfortable, restful place to sit.

Beginning in 2016, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns has partnered with the San Diego Padres to provide access to a nursing lounge at Petco Park in downtown San Diego. The lounge was one of the first of its kind on the West Coast, providing a soothing, private, shaded spot just for moms and babies.

"We know moms don't want to stop participating in activities just because they have a baby," says Trisha Khaleghi, senior vice president and market chief executive officer of Sharp HealthCare Metropolitan Hospitals. "They still want to get out and enjoy all San Diego has to offer. We're really proud to be able to support nursing moms in our community in this way."

Throughout the years, Sharp Mary Birch has intermittently stocked the lounge with giveaways and readily shared resources available to new parents. The hospital has even staffed the lounge with lactation educators available to answer questions in observance of World Breastfeeding Week.

The benefits of breastfeeding

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. Breast milk allows a mother to share antibodies with her baby, and as a baby grows, a mother's breast milk changes to meet her baby's nutritional needs.

Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some illnesses and diseases, including asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.

However, whether a parent or not breastfeeds is their choice. While breastfeeding is usually healthier than formula feeding for both mom and baby, it's understandable that some parents have personal or cultural preferences for formula.

What's more, feeding a baby with breast milk and formula, also known as mixed feeding or combination feeding, is sometimes the best solution for families. Parents may choose to supplement breast milk with formula for various medical or personal reasons, such as a low milk supply, inadequate infant weight gain or the challenges of pumping at work.

Sharp Mary Birch team members always provide a caring, supportive environment for every mom, every time, no matter what her choice for feeding is.

A winning experience

Located in a suite on the park's terrace level, the Petco Park nursing lounge features a comfortable sofa and rocking chairs; a private restroom; amenities including a sink and changing table; plugs for breast pumps; and a refrigerator. A glass wall rolls up and additional outdoor seats provide a prime view of the third baseline and game below. A female concierge is on-hand during each game to welcome moms into the lounge and provide assistance as needed.

"It was great," says Victoria Smith, a mom who enjoyed the suite during a Padres game. "I was able to sit and rest, knowing I had everything my daughter and I needed right there. She and I were both so much more relaxed, and our day went more smoothly because of that. If we're keeping score, this is a winner as far as I'm concerned."

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