#United States #Ontario #Ontario Airport #Breastfeeding #UCR Health

Enhanced Nursing Facilities at Ontario International Airport

In celebration of National Breastfeeding Month, Ontario International Airport (ONT) has taken significant steps to improve its nursing facilities, collaborating with UCR Health. This expansion builds on the enhanced nursing stations first launched in 2022, now featuring roomier interiors, revamped furnishings, and better amenities designed specifically for the comfort of nursing parents.

Atif Elkadi, the CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority, emphasized the commitment to creating a safe and inviting space for all travelers, particularly mothers. "These upgraded nursing stations demonstrate our ongoing commitment to family-friendly travel. National Breastfeeding Month is a perfect opportunity to reinforce our support for nursing mothers," he stated.

Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in enhancing a child's early health, with research showing significant benefits. According to Dr. Brenda Ross-Shelton, a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist at UCR Health, exclusively breastfed infants have a 36% reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and breastfeeding mothers also experience a reduced risk of breast cancer by as much as 27%. UCR Health takes pride in being the first milk depot of UC Health Milk Bank and is dedicated to aiding nursing families across the region.

Key Features of the Upgraded Facilities

The improvements to the nursing stations include several notable features:

1. New Nursing Station: A completely new nursing station has been established in Terminal 4, while Terminal 2 has undergone better spatial utilization for enhanced privacy and comfort.
2. Modern Décor: The upgraded stations now sport soft lighting, ergonomic seating, and calming design elements to create a more soothing space for nursing mothers.
3. Functional Improvements: Facilities now include televisions, internet connectivity, additional charging outlets, better changing surfaces, and accessible shelving to accommodate breastfeeding essentials.
4. ADA Compliance: All upgrades have been made to comply with ADA standards and the California Building Code, ensuring that the facilities are welcoming and usable for all families.

These enhancements are a continuation of the groundwork laid in 2022 when ONT and UCR Health first partnered to introduce improved nursing stations, aiming to provide secure, private areas for mothers while they travel.

August's designation as National Breastfeeding Month serves as a reminder of the critical need for safe and dedicated spaces for breastfeeding in public locations. The advancements in ONT's nursing rooms symbolize a broader commitment to family-friendly travel, providing dignity, convenience, and comfort for nursing families.

About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport, located approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, is known as California's most popular midsized airport, as indicated by J.D. Power's recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. It serves a wide array of nonstop flights to major airports across the U.S. and abroad.

Contact Information:
For additional details, visit www.flyOntario.com or follow @flyONT on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)

The OIAA was established in August 2012, aiming to oversee the management, operations, and marketing of ONT to benefit the Southern California economy and residents of the airport's catchment area. Its leadership includes various elected officials passionate about airport operations and regional advancement.

About UCR Health

UCR Health comprises a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to enhancing community health. With multiple medical offices in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health focuses on delivering innovative and culturally sensitive healthcare, in line with the mission of the University of California, Riverside.

Conclusion

As Ontario International Airport reaffirms its commitment to breastfeeding families, it also sets a standard for other airports nationwide, demonstrating sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of traveling mothers.