PRESQUE ISLE — Moms can now attend many County events and have a private, clean and comfortable place to take their child.
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Healthy Aroostook, a local Healthy Maine Partnership and a program of Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP), with a grant provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems and the Partnership to Improve Community Health (PICH) have made a wish come true for the Aroostook Breastfeeding Coalition.
For many years the coalition has dreamed of having a mobile unit that provides a clean, dry place for babies to be fed and changed at local events. A large 10-x-10 tent with walls for privacy was just what was needed to meet this need. The tent is equipped with a changing table, chairs and supplies for parents and babies as well as small chairs and books for younger children to enjoy while waiting.
The tent will be available at local festivals and fairs throughout Aroostook County. Lisa Fishman, leader in the Aroostook Breastfeeding Coalition, stated, “The tent will be used in a number of venues in Aroostook County to offer the option to breastfeeding women to nurse their babies in comfort while in the public. For example, Caribou Cares About Kids events, the Shrine Circus, during the Northern Maine Fair, Houlton Fair, Fish River Rural Health Fair, Muskie Derby/Ploye Festival, Thursdays on Sweden Street events, TAMC Health Fair, CARY Medical Center Health Fair, and more.”
The mobile unit debuted at the Northern Maine Fair and received many positive comments from women who used the space.
“It is the intention of the Aroostook Breastfeeding Coalition to provide support for breastfeeding women to feed their babies in a clean and comfortable environment, and the Breastfeeding Tent goes a long way in accomplishing that goal,” shared Fishman.
Amy Anderson, a breastfeeding mom and a member of the coalition, is excited about the possibilities of the unit. “While I completely support breastfeeding wherever and whenever needed, it’s also a reassurance to have a clean option available should my little one require a diaper change or a distraction-free environment for feeding while we are out enjoying community events,” Anderson said. “Much appreciation to the PICH Grant for providing this cozy space to County families.”
To request the use of the mobile unit, contact Dawn Roberts, ACAP Community Education Specialist, at (207) 554-4151 or by email at droberts@acap-me.org.
