Nurse Alyssa Dishaw and her son Oakley in The Birthplace at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

POTSDAM -- Private lactation areas are available to patients, visitors, and staff seeking a closed space at St. Lawrence Health System’s Canton-Potsdam Hospital (CPH).

CPH employees are given flexibility in their work schedules and a private, quiet space equipped with a power source for breast pumps based on individual need, according to a press release from SLHS.

“It was an easy decision for me, even before my first child, I knew I would breastfeed,” said registered nurse Alyssa Dishaw. “What wasn’t easy was planning for when and where I would pump my milk once I returned to work.

“Three years ago when I needed to pump at work for my second child the accommodations for breastfeeding employees weren’t as well planned out and there were some challenging moments,” she said.

“Today as I care for my third child I’m fortunate to be working at Canton-Potsdam Hospital where I’m provided with the scheduling flexibility and comfortable space I need to pump my milk. Having a quiet, calming space where I won’t be interrupted makes a world of difference to me and my family,” added Dishaw.

According to Janet LoMastro, CPH lactation specialist, breastfeeding is important for the health of mothers and children.

More info: 261-5965