Skagit Regional Health (SRH) now has a new option for a private lactation space – fully enclosed, standalone lactation pods.

Recently placed at Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital, the lactation pods offer employees, visitors and patients a space to privately and comfortably breastfeed or pump.

This initiative began as a result of SRH employee feedback.

“We heard feedback from our employees that they would like more designated space for lactation,” said Adele Skinner, Regional Vice President of Human Resources for Skagit Regional Health.

Skinner responded by first filling out the appropriate paperwork to acquire the lactation pods, and with support from Skagit Regional Health CEO Brian Ivie, went to the Skagit Regional Health Foundation to request funding.

“We understand that our employees have a family outside of work that they are trying to care for,” said Skinner. “We worked with the Foundation and explained the need to provide care for mothers, parents and babies.”

The Skagit Regional Health Foundation Board of Trustees reviewed Skinner’s request and unanimously approved funding the pods from the Foundation’s Unrestricted Fund. Skinner then worked with the SRH Facilities team and Operations to purchase and place the units.

“The Skagit Regional Health Foundation is pleased to provide a private, relaxed atmosphere for nursing staff and guests at both Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital,” said Linda Frizzell, Executive Director of the Skagit Regional Health Foundation. “Our hope is that they will allow breastfeeding moms to comfortably nurse their babies or pump without distractions or interruptions.”

While Skagit Regional Health has always provided a space for lactation for those who need it, the lactation pods enhance the options available to all who enter Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital.

“We’ve always adhered to the law with a designated space for lactation, and these pods will be in addition to that,” said Skinner. “Our hope is that the lactation pods will help us be more family friendly.”  

Each pod locks and offers a fully enclosed, private area for lactation. Inside the pod is a padded seat, a fold-down changing table, a mirror, a shelf and a power outlet, which includes USB ports.

The lactation pod at Skagit Valley Hospital is located on the lower level (basement), accessible from the elevators located in the hospital’s Main Lobby. The lactation pod at Cascade Valley Hospital is located in the administrative hallway.

Thank you very much to the Skagit Regional Health Foundation and the SRH employees involved in bringing these to our facilities!

Photo captions:

Top, L to R: Linda Frizzell, SRH Foundation Executive Director; Alicia Huschka, SRH Foundation Board Trustee; Zach Barborinas, SRH Foundation Board President; Adele Skinner, Regional Vice President of Human Resources; Brian Ivie, President & CEO; Michelle Gjersee, Physical Environment Manager of Plant Operations.

Middle: The inside of the lactation pod.

Bottom: The lactation pod placed at Cascade Valley Hospital.