Traveling can be a challenge for breastfeeding mothers, and it doesn’t need to be made harder by inadequate facilities in airports. With over a million people flying every day and nearly 10,000 planes in the air at any given moment, air travel is a fundamental part of modern life for many families. However, for nursing mothers, navigating the airport environment can be particularly daunting.
The Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act
The introduction of the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act aims to change that. This legislation, which has already passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, seeks to ensure that medium and large airports provide designated “lactation areas” in each passenger terminal. These spaces are essential for mothers who wish to breastfeed or pump in a private and hygienic setting.
Currently, many airports lack such facilities, forcing new mothers to resort to using public restrooms—an option that is often unsanitary and unwelcoming. The FAM Act stipulates that these lactation areas must meet specific criteria: they need to be private, have a locking door, include comfortable seating and a flat surface, be accessible for individuals with disabilities, and crucially, not be located in restrooms. These provisions are designed to create a safe and clean environment for mothers to care for their children while traveling.
Advocacy and Progress
This initiative was originally championed by former Representative Jessica Matthews, who has since moved to the Senate and continues to advocate for mothers’ rights. Recently, she made headlines by becoming the first senator to give birth while in office and has pushed for resolutions that allow senators to bring their infants onto the Senate floor, enabling them to nurse during votes.
Earlier this year, I took part in the advocacy efforts for the FAM Act in the House, which successfully passed as part of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act. We anticipate that the Senate will follow suit. As we continue to navigate our fast-paced world, ensuring that mothers have the necessary support while traveling is vital for maintaining connections with loved ones and pursuing professional opportunities.
Additional Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, the FAM Act represents a significant step toward making air travel more accommodating for breastfeeding mothers. By establishing private lactation areas in airports, we can create a more supportive environment that respects the needs of nursing parents.