Public lactation room now available at Clark County Courthouse

The Clark County Health Department (CCHD) is pleased to inform the community of the opening of a public lactation room at the Clark County Courthouse. The lactation room is next to the CCHD in Room 106 (first floor).

This dedicated, private space is available for those who need to express breastmilk or breastfeed their child. It features comfortable seating, electrical outlets, and a welcoming environment.

Community members are welcome to come view the space while visiting the Clark County Courthouse. The CCHD is grateful to have been able to use grant funding to bring the room to life.

“Being able to bring a public lactation space to Clark County is amazing. There are not a lot of public spaces in the county,” said CCHD public health nurse and lactation counselor Katie Cook.

“When someone from the public would come to our window at the courthouse looking for a lactation space, we didn’t have anywhere to send them. Public bathrooms or their vehicle were their only choices, which is not sanitary or suitable,” said CCHD public health nurse and lactation counselor Corrine Spencer.

Those who use the room are responsible for the storage of their milk. There is a bathroom available down the hall.

The space does not need to be requested for use through the CCHD; however, it is encouraged to sign in using the log provided. Resources are available as well. Those who are summoned for jury duty will receive information about the room being an available resource.

The Clark County Courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., except for recognized holidays. The Clark County Courthouse has a single point entry. Community members are to use door B103 on the north side of the building on Sixth Street.

Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. There are numerous benefits to both mother and baby. Mothers who breastfeed their babies have a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, severe lower respiratory disease, ear infections, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and gastrointestinal infections.

The CCHD has certified lactation counselors (CLCs) who are available to community members via appointment. The CLCs can provide one-to-one counseling sessions that cover topics such as breastfeeding supply, latch, sore/painful nipples, pumping, pump fittings, and more. You can call the CCHD Lactation Warmline at 715743-5105 and select option 4 to schedule an appointment.

For more information about lactation services, visit clarkcountywi.gov/ph-lactation-services.

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