MONTCLAIR, NJ – Nursing mothers who frequent Montclair Public Library will now benefit from the ease and comfort offered by a new private room. Sponsored by Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, the new Nursing Mother’s Room at the Montclair Public Library main branch creates a safe and comfortable space for mothers to breastfeed or express milk.

Nursing mothers often encounter environments that are not conducive to breastfeeding or pumping, mainly due to lack of privacy and cleanliness. Many times, mothers must resort to using public restrooms which can create stress and affect both the health of mom and baby alike.

Tim O’Brien, chief operating officer of Mountainside Medical Center and treasurer of Montclair Public Library Board of Trustees; Jenna Mahlik, RN and new mother; Peter Coyl, director of Montclair Public Library; Nicole Mincey, R.N., director of Women’s Services at Mountainside Medical Center; Wilfred Adkins, president of Montclair Library Board of Trustees; Assemblywoman Britnee N. Timberlake

“Breastfeeding contributes to the health and wellbeing of moms and babies,’ said Nicole Mincey, director of Women’s Services at Mountainside Medical Center. “Providing a clean, dedicated, private space to nurse babies will help to enhance the bonding relationship between mom and baby and promote longer-term breastfeeding.”

The nursing room is located on the third floor of the library in the children’s area and is equipped with comfortable seating and a changing station. ”We know how challenging it can be to find a place to feed a newborn. We are thankful to Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center for making feeding a child at the library so much easier,” said Peter Coyl, director of the Montclair Public Library. “With one less worry, we hope parents will take greater advantage of all the early literacy resources we have to offer.”