HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania opened a pilot nursing pod Wednesday in the state Capitol Complex, testing whether dedicated private nursing spaces should be added to other Commonwealth facilities based on usage and employee and visitor feedback.
The pod, located in the Capitol’s East Wing, provides Commonwealth employees and visitors with a private space to nurse. The Department of General Services will evaluate its use, location, functionality, amenities and privacy before determining whether additional accommodations are appropriate at state facilities.
The pilot expands facilities changes undertaken through Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2024 Hire, Improve, Recruit and Empower, or HIRE, executive order, which directs state agencies to strengthen recruitment and retention and remove barriers to public service.
DGS has expanded child care capacity for Commonwealth employees and made other changes at the Capitol Complex, including adding single-user and accessible restrooms, installing an adult changing table and providing free menstrual products in DGS-managed facilities.
Earlier this year, the department also completed an accessibility study of the 45-acre Capitol Complex examining entrances, restrooms, elevators, signage and interior and exterior routes.
“A modern and inclusive public space should work for the people who use it,” acting DGS Secretary Sandra Aguilera said. “This pilot is about giving parents a clean, private, convenient option when they need one.”
The Department of Health said workplace accommodations can make it easier for parents to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen said managing breastfeeding can be difficult while working or traveling and described the pod as another option for privacy at the Capitol.
The pod does not restrict where people may breastfeed within the complex. Pennsylvania’s Freedom to Breastfeed Act protects a mother’s right to breastfeed in any public or private location where the mother and child are otherwise authorized to be.
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