Cubs introduce ‘lactation pod’ for nursing mothers at Wrigley

Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Chicago Cubs unveiled a brand-new “lactation pod” this week for mothers looking for a little privacy at Wrigley Field while nursing their babies at the ballpark.

“Attending concerts, ballgames and other public events can be stressful for nursing mothers, so we’re proud to team up with the Cubs to offer a quiet suite for moms who are seeking a safe, comfortable, convenient environment to breastfeed or pump,” said Kelly Jo Golson, the chief marketing officer for Advocate Aurora Health.

Moms can find the pod on Wrigley’s left field concourse near Gate 4 by the Gallagher Way entrance.

“I’m usually very uncomfortable breastfeeding at big venues,” Barrington mother Emily Tryniecki said in a statement. “You have to go into a stall – it’s cramped, it’s noisy. Normally we just avoid events or I leave early. This makes it so much more comfortable. It’s roomier, I feel like I can take my time, and even [my son] Leo can relax and feel more comfortable in here.”

The pod is part of a growing trend at MLB stadiums to introduce dedicated spaces for nursing mothers, with Fenway Park in Boston being the first to establish a pod in 2015, according to local news station WPRI.

The White Sox introduced their own Mothers’ Nursing Room at Guaranteed Rate Field just before the start of the 2019 season. Their room, located near Section 352, features chairs, electrical outlets for pumps and a television to follow the game.

Advocate opened a lactation pod at Soldier Field last year.